Salt of the earth: Arts festival seeks to highlight Arctic culture

Salt’s journey began in August on Sandhornøy, a mountainous island off the coast of Norway. Here structures based on fiskehjell or ‘fish racks’, a vital symbol of how communities have survived in Arctic environments for centuries, are being displayed on the beach. These portable frames are hosting commissioned art work by Chinese artist Yang Fudong, a luxury sauna and food and drink provided by local restaurants. Accommodation is available and Salt will remain open to the public for 12 months.

After its residency on Sandhornøy, there are plans to take the festival to Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Scotland, Spitsbergen, Alaska and Russia. The structures, which have survived the harsh winters, will move to each location, and on arrival a new programme of culture, arts and food will be established, inspired by the local community and environment.

The festival aims to draw attention to the issue of global warming and the impact it is having on Arctic communities and their traditional ways of life. 

Salt is the ideal excursion for the Stage Five luxurian whose priorities are being environmentally aware, searching for a meaningful experience, and connecting with culture, art and nature. 

For another well-executed example of a Stage Five experience, read our Seed story.