“Give yourself the chance to realize your visions”
There is still time to apply for Rubus Arcticus – one of Sweden's largest cultural scholarships. One of those who took the chance last year was dancer and choreographer Liv Aira, who had an eventful year as a Rubus Arcticus scholarship holder. – It has definitely created opportunities, she says.
When we speak, it's not dance but renovation on the agenda. The venue in Vuollerim, which is to become the world's first Sami dance center, is to be given a new look. Liv Aira is standing and painting.
- What is happening right now is that we are renovating the property that will become the world's first Sami dance center. We are planning our upcoming years of operation. We will have collaborations with artists from Sapmi and Norrbotten, not just dancers. We are creating a place with very developing conditions for art in the north, says Liv Aira.
Appeared for the Norwegian Sami Parliament
Many Norrbotten residents and visitors have met Liv Aira this summer in the performance Skájdde i Storforsen, a major production by the dance company Invisible People.
- Skájdde was a completely new production. Circus artists who created in nature, dance, yoik, poetry, completely new stories. In addition to that, we have performed for the Norwegian Sami Parliament in plenary, it was the first time they had dance in their premises, it was a huge assignment. We have shot a dance film up in the mountains in Padjelanta National Park. We have been to fairs, at the Folk & Culture conference on the main stage where we had a chance to describe our artistic visions for the Sami dance center.
Maybe Liv Aira needed to breathe a little now, but renovations are on the schedule. Jillat, as the center will be called, will open its doors in November.
- We work around the clock to make everything come together.
What has the scholarship meant for your work this year?
- We have received a lot of attention and getting the scholarship has certainly been a big piece of the puzzle. It has definitely created opportunities as more institutions have wanted to establish long-term collaborations. Rubus Arcticus is like a seal of quality for what has been created so far.
“Priceless”
The 100 SEK scholarship has thus opened doors for Liv Aira, but has been significant in more ways than that.
- You can feel alone as a cultural practitioner in the north. Being seen and heard for your work was invaluable. It created a lot of motivation and financial security in times of great change within my artistic practice and as a business developer.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking about applying?
- Dare to apply several times. I did! Really tell us about your big visions that you have in life, and give yourself the chance to implement them. Rubus Arcticus can be a big step and an enabler on the way.
Search for Rubus Arcticus no later than September 1st.
Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa
Read more about who can apply and how to apply for Rubus Arcticus
Last year's press release about the scholarship recipients
The Honorary and Merit Scholarship