Dáiddadállu

The recipient of the MUNCH Award 2026 is the Sámi artist network Dáiddadállu. They will be honoured at a ceremony in Paris on 21 October during Art Basel, and again at MUNCH in Oslo on 23 October 2025.

Dáiddadállu consists of 22 artist partners and an administration, representing art forms such as visual arts, film, dance, theatre, choreography, TV-production, performing arts, design, authorship, music and joik.  

Sámi epistemology and knowledge systems form the foundation of Dáiddadállu’s work, with a particular emphasis on holistic thinking, openness, solidarity, and sustainability for nature, people, animals, culture, and livelihoods. The network is committed to the development and preservation of a healthy and vibrant Sápmi, striving to foster fair, lasting, and sustainable development through all of its activities, which are carried out in Sápmi and in other regions of the world.

– We have worked hard for many years to build Dáiddadállu into what it is today. It has been about creating a platform and an infrastructure where Sámi artists can develop, work, collaborate, and engage with the world on their own terms. That is why this award means so much to us. It is a recognition of the work put in over many years, of the people who have built Dáiddadállu, and of the importance of having strong Sámi art institutions. At the same time, the award gives us the inspiration and energy to continue developing Dáiddadállu further, says Managing Director Dine Arnannguaq Fenger Lynge.

This is the third time the museum has recognised and celebrated artistic freedom of expression through the awarding of this prize. Dáiddadállu’s extraordinary contribution to artistic freedom, and to the preservation and advancement of Sámi cultural heritage for future generations, makes them a highly deserving recipient, says former MUNCH Director Tone Hansen.

– Sámi culture is an invaluable part of the cultural heritage of Norway, Sápmi and the wider world. Dáiddadállu has demonstrated how artistic communities can protect cultural knowledge, create new possibilities for future generations and bring Indigenous perspectives into international art discourse. Their work reminds us that cultural heritage is not something static, but something that is continually reimagined through artistic practice, says Hansen.  

The MUNCH Award jury statement:

“The MUNCH Award Jury would like to honour Dáiddadállu for their significant work in supporting Indigenous artists, and for actively inserting Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into established art worlds.  Dáiddadállu operates as a network focused on creating and building infrastructures, which have been lacking for their practices. With an emphasis on solidarity and sustainability, they nurture the next generation at the same time as they honour their elders. Whilst fundamentally committed to their communities, they also challenge Sámi culture from within, always aiming to highlight and confront the status quo.”    

About Dáiddadállu:

Dáiddadállu was founded in 2014 by artist and author Máret Ánne Sara and choreographer and filmmaker Elle Sofe Sara. Both grew up and live in Guovdageaidnu, and have worked actively with art for many years. Dáiddadállu is the result of their desire to form a stronger art environment locally and in Sápmi. Guovdageaidnu municipality provided initial financial support for the pilot project, and Dáiddadállu’s members live and work across the Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish sides of Sápmi in a unique and high-quality interdisciplinary Sámi arts community.