Sámi arts and crafts are rarely included in studies of Nordic cultural policy. However, cultural policy in the respective Nordic countries has influenced how Sámi artists negotiate values and priorities in their artistic practices and creative industries. This paper investigates the values embedded in Sámi creative work, focusing on how these values are negotiated and intersect with cultural policy frameworks. Within the Sámi community, art and culture have traditionally been regarded as a livelihood, shaped by specific Sámi values that act as regulating mechanisms. However, there is a noticeable gap between these values and the policy of the Sámi Parliament, which places significant emphasis on growth and profit. Conversely, Norwegian cultural policy tends to overlook the economic role of art and culture when viewed through the lens of Sámi values. There are also value tensions within the artistic community.
Drawing on data from two previous studies among Sámi creative workers in Norway and the political context of this field, we analyse how the different values create tensions. The tensions lie in balancing Sámi values such as tradition, identity, authenticity, moderation and sustainability, with external pressures, including modern technology and policy goals. This paper highlights the need for cultural policy to align more closely with Sámi values and priorities within the Sámi creative industries to ensure the sustainable development of Sámi arts and crafts.
