HAPARANDA. The border town of Haparanda has for some years invested in public art – one million Swedish crowns in the start, today half a million per year, has been spent on buying sculptures and installations from north Swedish artists. At the moment there are 16 art works in the central Haparanda, and more is coming.

The winding Haparanda Art Walk. Illustration Kenneth Mikko, BarentsKultur

To make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the art, there is now an organised Art Walk where the artworks can be seen while having a nice walk through the town. An audio guide giving information about the works is available in four languages on the web  – check here – and it’s complemented with a printed brochure, including a map.

Artist Mats Wikström waters his spiritual squirrels. Photo Kenneth Mikko

Last weekend a new sculpture was opened. Luleå artist Mats Wikström has made “Patrons of the railway bridge” – a number of squirrels of different religions making spiritiual exercises. Two more artworks will stand ready later this year, by artists Victoria Andersson (Mr Struve´s Triangle) and Risto Immonen (Memorial walk).

Bridges by artist Bo Holmlund is placed on Haparanda's central square. Photo Kenneth Mikko