Maria Huhmarniemi is a Vice Dean and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of Lapland. She is dedicated to art and research that enhances cultural sustainability in the Arctic and promotes and researches Arctic art and Arctic art education. She has actively created socially and environmentally engaged art and pioneered arts-based methods to address societal needs in the Arctic context. Huhmarniemi also carries the title of docent at the University of Eastern Finland, specialising in the field of social pedagogy. Her contributions include publishing research and participating in art exhibitions, showcasing her research as an installation artist. She is also leading the Thematic Network Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD).