Sonja Hovik Brendås is a Norwegian dancer who seamlessly transitions between contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and ballet. She focuses on channeling strong emotions through movement and has honed her craft as a dance major at Marymount Manhattan College. Her technique, paired with her flair for creative expression, sets her apart in New York’s competitive dance community.

Arta Jēkabsone is a Latvian vocalist and composer whose warm tone and inventive spirit have earned her a place among today’s leading jazz voices. She has been recognized with top honors at international competitions, including the Montreux Shure Jazz Voice Competition, and she added a third-place finish at the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Voice Competition to her growing list of achievements.

Thelma Sigurhansdóttir, also known as Thelma Gella, is an Icelandic visual artist whose work bridges the gap between reality and imagination. Primarily a painter, she constructs vivid narratives that invite viewers to see beyond the surface, blending clarity with dreamlike elements. Her art sparks both curiosity and introspection, offering a glimpse into the unknown.

Michaela Lind is an award-winning Swedish performer, filmmaker, and theater-maker recognized for her experimental approach to storytelling. Based in Brooklyn, she is the co-founder of ARA Theater & Media, a multidisciplinary theater and production company. 

Kristin Jacobsen is a visual storyteller who captures the essence of Nordic nature and identity through her art.

Oskar Stenmark is a Swedish trumpet and flugelhorn player hailed for merging centuries-old folk melodies with the pulse of contemporary jazz.

Elsa Nilsson is a Swedish flutist and composer who merges the bright melodic threads of Scandinavian folk with the improvisational edge of jazz. She lives in Brooklyn but grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she first uncovered her musical leanings. Her distinctive approach to flute performance has won her acclaim in a field that rarely sees the flute as a lead instrument.

Sari Hurme-Mehtälä is a Finnish painter who draws viewers into tranquil, nature-inspired landscapes through her abstract art.

Ingeborg Kolstad is a Norwegian dancer and choreographer recognized for her artistic blend of Norwegian folklore and contemporary dance. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Marymount Manhattan College and has already showcased her work at important venues, including the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater and The Tank Theater.

The NIFF Co-Founder and Multidisciplinary Artist Merges Film, Poetry, and Sustainability in NANY’s Vision