Paper Short Abstract:

In rewriting The Cultural Schoolbag, I question the cultural-political narrative about the perceived awesomeness of the programme. Included is rewriting the weight placed on Sami topics in the Norwegian school system, despite a curriculum requiring that pupils learn about the history, culture, social life and rights of the Indigenous Sami people.

Paper Abstract:

The Cultural Schoolbag, TCS, is a national cultural program offering cultural and cultural heritage productions to pupils aged 6 to 19 in the Norwegian school system. Since 2018, there has been increased national focus on the Sami arts and cultural offer included in the programme. In official documents from both the culture and education sectors’ authorities, there are clear requirements that Sami perspectives are to be included.

In TCS, this means on the one hand an opportunity for Indigenous Sami artists to show their projects to pupils, developing their communication skills, and evolving their artistic career. On the other hand, this might mean that the artists experience challenging and difficult encounters with pupils and teachers.

In rewriting TCS, I question the cultural-political narrative about the awesomeness of the programme, characterized by the conviction of its high quality and importance for everyone involved. Included in the rewriting is the questioning of the weight placed on Sami topics in the Norwegian school system, despite a curriculum reform in 2020 requiring that pupils learn about the history, culture, social life and rights of the Indigenous Sami people.

For the Indigenous Sami artist touring the schools with TCS, there might be a cost associated with this artistic-pedagogic endeavour. There are certainly positive encounters, but also challenging ones, in which audience behaviour might span from indifference, to restless and noisy, or bordering on racism.