Konsthall Tornedalen

Konsthall Tornedalen is a cultural institution under construction in Vitsaniemi, a village in the Tornio Valley just south of the Arctic Circle.

The Torne valley is the land of the Meänkieli speaking minority group Tornedalingar, and encompasses a vast area through which the Torne River flows, conjoining parts of Sweden, Finland and Sápmi. Archeological excavations show people have lived here since the end of the ice-age, 11.000 years ago. The modern history of Tornedalen is one of languages suppressed, borders drawn and colonial industrialization. It is also a vibrant cultural history of poetry and art from life lived in-tune with a shifting and demanding environment.

Konsthall Tornedalen is the first arts agency dedicated to working with themes drawn directly from the region. Subjects such as the endurance of silenced languages, transnationality, local ecologies and colonization are given shape in exhibitions, programing and publications.

While these themes to an extent define Tornedalen they are not issues confined to the region. We find reflections elsewhere, in places and people whose knowledge and way of life share similar paths, situating our work with in the village of Vitsaniemi at the centre of a global cultural, economic and political discussion.

Konsthall Tornedalens "weather station" is a cottage right by the Torne River, to which artists are invited to immerse themselves in the local weather. The weather station in Vitsaniemi is a way for Konsthall Tornedalen to create a space for conversation about climate change and the ongoing “green transition" in northern Sweden. At the weather station, we will therefore alongside the invited artists hosts seminars and organise meetings around local issues related to the weather and climate, such as wind farms, electrification, hydropower dams and deforestation.

Konsthall Tornedalen is directed by Theodor Ringborg, Ph.D.

https://www.konsthalltornedalen.se/