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Artica Svalbard is one of Norway's leading non-profit arts and culture organisations. We facilitate artistic and cultural activities on Svalbard and support the development of Norwegian and international art and culture.

Based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, we seek to raise awareness of the region and the wider Arctic through our various initiatives, including our Svalbard residency program for artists and writers.

OUR RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Through our residency programs, we offer a unique opportunity for artists, writers, and researchers to immerse themselves in the stunning and inspiring environment of Svalbard. Available through partnerships and independent funding, these residencies provide the time, space, and resources needed to focus on research and creative work.

LATEST NEWS

OUR PUBLIC PROGRAM

Through our public program, we foster dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange between our residents and the local Svalbard community. Historically, Svalbard has been a place of extraction. Artica Svalbard aims to counteract this by encouraging residents to think about what they can leave behind. We encourage residents to host workshops, lectures, and community events open to the public. These activities challenge perspectives, inspire new thinking, and create meaningful connections.

ARTICA EVENTS

ARTICA WRITINGS 2024: SVALBARD'S INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Writings is a curated series of texts offering diverse perspectives on Svalbard, the polar regions and their global influence. Published throughout the year in both English and Norwegian.

Artica Svalbard’s Artica Writings series returns in 2024, focusing on the personal stories of international residents in Svalbard. Unlike many Arctic regions, Svalbard has no indigenous population, with its 2,500 residents representing over 50 countries. Recent changes in Norwegian policies, outlined in the Svalbard white paper, aim to make Longyearbyen more appealing to Norwegian families by improving housing and services. At the same time, voting rights for non-Norwegian residents in local elections are being restricted unless they have strong ties to mainland Norway. These changes signal a shift in Norway’s governance approach, aiming to reinforce its presence in the region while impacting Svalbard’s diverse international community.

Led by journalist Elida Høeg, known for her work on climate and migration, with photography by Ángel Valiente, the series explores how international residents navigate these evolving policies and cultural dynamics. It delves into their personal journeys, the challenges of adapting to Norwegian customs, and the broader implications of these policy shifts. The series comprises seven texts, published monthly from January 2025, and coincides with the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty, which upholds principles of shared access and equality. The essays culminate in a 2025 publication that offers an intimate and timely portrait of life in this unique Arctic community.

ARTICA BOOKS

Our annual Artica Writings essay series is published in a limited edition book. Due to Svalbard's tax-free status, selling and shipping items from here can be complex, so offering our books for free (you only pay the cost of shipping) helps us avoid those issues.

If you're in Svalbard, you can purchase a copy for 100 NOK.

ARTICA FILMS

Artica Films is a selection of short films that document our activities; from interviews with residents discussing their work and experiences in Svalbard, to highlighting community engagement projects and more.