Mari Boine was born in Karasjok, Finnmark in 1956.

- Boine is one of Norway's most important artists. With her background in Sami traditions and culture she has developed new and genre-crossing musical expressions. The prize winner's great ability to deliver through music and language makes he an international artist of great stature, the Arts Council jury states.

The Council also points to her cooperation wiith international artists, and mentions in particular her working together with Peter Gabriel on the album One World One Voice, and with Norway's own Jan Garbarek.

Each year, the Arts Council awards a special prize for outstanding achievement in the arts to a prominent Norwegian cultural figure. The official awards ceremony is held in the beginning of December. Internationally acclaimed recipients include actress and film director Liv Ullmann, composer Arne Nordheim, architect Sverre Fehn, author and playwright Jon Fosse.

(Vaart Land/Press release)

Rolleiv Solholm