Exhibition Abraham Anghik Ruben: where stories continue

Description Shaped by a contemporary sculptural vision, the work of Abraham Anghik Ruben speaks powerfully to humanity’s place within the living world. This exhibition brings together a group of extraordinary sculptures and paintings that reveal a universe sustained by balance—among people and animals, spirit and matter, land, air, water. At the heart of the exhibition stands Sedna, creator, and guardian of life. Together, these works form a world held together by reciprocity and respect. Ruben’s sculptures offer ancient knowledge carved into contemporary form, inviting reflection on responsibility, stewardship, and the fragile balance that continues to bind humanity to the living forces of the Earth.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Bern, Switzerland

Date 11. February - 25. April 2026

Workshop Encaustic Art Workshop with Sámi artist, Jo Morten Kåven

Description Explore the World of Encaustic Wax Painting Already used by the ancient Greeks, this technique is today a favourite of the Sámi visual artist Jo Morten Kåven, who works with heated wax to create vibrant colours and striking effects. In this workshop, he invites you to experiment freely and create textured, expressive works. You will discover the basics of encaustic painting while working hands-on with this unique and versatile medium.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Stadtbachstrasse 8a, 3012 Bern

Date Sunday, 26 April Session 1: 13:30 – 15:00

Cost CHF 25.-

Register max. 8 persons per session https://forms.gle/u7xrR2zpxLE7b9r79

Workshop Encaustic Art Workshop with Sámi artist, Jo Morten Kåven

Description Explore the World of Encaustic Wax Painting Already used by the ancient Greeks, this technique is today a favourite of the Sámi visual artist Jo Morten Kåven, who works with heated wax to create vibrant colours and striking effects. In this workshop, he invites you to experiment freely and create textured, expressive works. You will discover the basics of encaustic painting while working hands-on with this unique and versatile medium.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Stadtbachstrasse 8a, 3012 Bern

Date Sunday, 26 April 2026 Session 2: 15:30-17:00

Cost CHF 25.-

Register max. 8 persons per session https://forms.gle/Rc32bBpqAvYNyj7X8

Workshop Joik Workshop with Ailloš, Joik — Stimme der Weite

Description Ein kurzer Film des Sámi Künstlers Jo Morten Kåven eröffnet den Abend und gibt Einblick in die Welt des Joik — einer Gesangsform, die nicht über etwas singt, sondern etwas selbst zum Klingen bringt: Landschaften, Tiere, Erinnerungen und Menschen. ‍ Im Anschluss führt der Joiker Ingor Antte Ailu Gaup (Künstlername: Ailloš) in diese lebendige Praxis ein. Aufgewachsen in einer Rentierzüchterfamilie im Norden Norwegens, lernte er das Joiken von Kindheit an – so, wie es seit Generationen in Sápmi weitergegeben wird, dem Gebiet der Sámi, das sich über Nordnorwegen, Schweden, Finnland und Russland erstreckt. ‍ Ganz in dieser Tradition lädt Ailloš die Teilnehmenden ein, selbst aktiv zu werden: Gemeinsam werden einfache Tonfolgen nachgesungen, ein traditioneller Joik erlernt, und vielleicht findet sich auch ein ganz persönlicher Klang — ein eigener Joik. Ein interaktiver Workshop zur uralten Gesangstradition der Sámi. ‍A short film by Sámi artist Jo Morten Kåven opens the evening, offering a glimpse into the world of joik—a form of singing that doesn't sing about something, but rather brings something to life through sound: landscapes, animals, memories, and people. Following the film, joiker Ingor Antte Ailu Gaup (stage name: Ailloš) introduces this vibrant practice. Raised in a reindeer-herding family in northern Norway, he learned joik from childhood—just as it has been passed down for generations in Sápmi, the Sámi territory that stretches across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Continuing this tradition, Ailloš invites participants to actively engage: Together, they will sing simple melodies, learn a traditional joik, and perhaps even discover their own personal sound—their own joik. In keeping with this tradition, simple melodies will be sung together, a traditional joik will be learned, and perhaps a truly personal sound will emerge—a joik of their own. An interactive workshop on the ancient singing tradition of the Sámi. Everyone is welcome – no prior knowledge is required. Elisabeth Berg will provide language support during the workshop, if needed.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Stadtbachstrasse 8a, 3012 Bern

Date Wednesday, 6 May 2026 18:00 - 20:00

Cost CHF 50.- / Person

Register max. 20 Participants https://forms.gle/8LLQHH6wgPquzJ797

Discussion “Voices Meet”: How Indigenous Culture Survives

Description "Voices Meet" How do indigenous cultures survive—and what can we learn from them? Join us for a special evening of listening, exchange, and encounter. The focus is on the power of voice, sound, and lived tradition as carriers of knowledge, identity, and memory. But first, let's listen: A musical dialogue between joik and yodeling opens the evening. Two vocal forms of expression, deeply rooted in their respective cultures, resonate with one another. In their interplay, questions and answers, closeness and difference unfold—a vibrant exchange that transcends boundaries and opens new perspectives. The evening then opens to the voices of indigenous experts from Arctic regions. They share insights into their cultural practices, speak of challenges and resilience, and contribute their own forms of expression. This creates a multifaceted dialogue about continuity, change, and the importance of community. The audience is warmly invited to listen, ask questions, or actively participate in the exchange. “Voices Meet” is conceived as an open space for encounters – characterised by respect, curiosity, and the desire to learn from one another. Perhaps this evening will offer a glimpse into the spirit that keeps cultures alive. Participants: Ingor Antte Ailu Gaup (Ailloš), Fiona Bär, Désirée Bär, and other Indigenous voices from Arctic regions.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Stadtbachstrasse 8a, 3012 Bern

Date 8 May 2026 18:30 - 20:00

Cost Collection (Suggested price CHF 15. - 20.)

Family Workshop Stories, Music and Creativity from the Far North

Description An interactive family afternoon with music, stories, and creative activities that immerses young and old in the soundscapes and narratives of the far north. Sámi artist Jo Morten Kåven and Norwegian-Danish author Kim Leine will jointly present the afternoon – with readings, music, and personal insights. Jo Morten Kåven will begin the event with a playful introduction to the world of Sámi drumming. Participants will learn about aspects of the indigenous Sápmi culture – a region spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. In the creative segment, children will create their own artwork on a drum template. Kim Leine will read from his children's book "Pigen der kunne tale med hunde" (English: The Girl Who Could Talk to Dogs). His stories tell of life in the Greenlandic wilderness – rugged, adventurous, and fascinating. The reading will be accompanied by German.

Place Museum of Contemporary Circumpolar Art, Stadtbachstrasse 8a, 3012 Bern

Date 13 May 2026 There are two overlapping groups: Group 1: 14:00 – 16:00 Workshop with Jo Morten Kåven → Reading with Kim Leine Group 2: 15:00 – 17:00 Reading with Kim Leine → Workshop with Jo Morten Kåven

Cost CHF10.-/ Child

Registration Group 1: 14:00-16:00 https://forms.gle/dge39afCVBJ47pE37 Group 2: 15:00-17:00 https://forms.gle/wmKnjq9DAD359Cab6