Artstream of Utsjoki: A student’s perspective on creative collaboration and ethical challenges in community art

Abstract

This thesis examines the collaborative dynamics and ethical challenges within an artist student team during the community art project, ArtStream of Utsjoki. The project aimed to increase access to art and artistic activities in Utsjoki villages. The project was a collaboration between three students from the Arctic Art & Design master program at the University of Lapland and locals of Utsjoki municipality. The aim of this thesis is to illuminate the challenges artists face when working within a community art project where they must combine artistic identities, approaches, visions, and goals within the broader framework of creative collaboration. The perspective is that of less experienced community artists, combining both student and artist viewpoints. This thesis is a case study of the project adopting an art-based research approach. Data includes project materials, researcher-created artworks, and an interview. This study found that the collaboration was shaped by local, institutional, team, and individual level dynamics. These influence six interconnected themes: direction, benefits, motivation, participation, engagement, and boundaries. This study proposes the idea of fairness at the heart of ethical collaboration to ensure more meaningful experience for all involved. This study contributes practical insights for students and practitioners working in participatory art through an open description of events from the perspective of the artist-students.