ABOUT ARTICA SVALBARD

Art is present wherever important questions are being asked. Svalbard is such a place in our time.

Artica Svalbard is one of Norway’s leading arts and culture organisations. We facilitate artistic and cultural exploration on Svalbard and support the development of Norwegian and international art and culture.

We run an interdisciplinary guest residency program, primarily aimed at artists, but also welcoming writers, researchers, and others exploring the Arctic through creative and critical work. Through our guest residency program and a range of events, we provide our residents with time, space, and opportunities to engage with Svalbard and the Arctic.

We also seek to raise awareness of Svalbard and the Arctic. Our goal is to create a platform for debate on topics related to our region, such as culture, geopolitics, climate change, migration, and minorities. Our mission is to challenge perspectives on the Arctic and welcome new knowledge and ways of thinking to inspire change.

OUR VISION

Using art and culture to raise awareness of the unique challenges in the Arctic, spread knowledge and inspire change.

OUR GOALS

IMPACTFUL RESIDENCIES

The residency programme emphasises that the residents should commit to deep engagement with the local community, fostering opportunities for residents to challenge and be challenged in their thinking while inspiring others through their work. The goal is to create lasting bonds, friendships, and knowledge exchange that endure beyond the residency, enriching both the residents and the local community.

Artica Svalbard aims to cultivate longer and more profound residency experiences by collaborating closely with partners to support artists, writers, and researchers visiting Svalbard. Through tailored onboarding programs and extended stays, residents are provided with ample time for reflection, exploration, and collaboration. 

EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY

Artica Svalbard aims to deepen its connection with the local community by actively involving residents in community life. Through organised events, debates and workshops for residents and locals, Artica will challenge the perspectives of the Arctic, contribute to new knowledge and new ways of thinking. 

Artica fosters dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exchange, ensuring that residents benefit from local perspectives and knowledge while contributing meaningfully to the community.

TOP TIER COLLABORATIONS

Artica Svalbard seeks to expand its impact by cultivating long-term collaborations with like-minded organisations, institutions, and individuals locally and globally. Such collaborations not only amplify the reach and influence of each partner but also facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills, and innovative practices. By working together, we can find better solutions, and drive cultural and social change across Svalbard and beyond.  

OUR VALUES

SUPPORTIVE

We believe in supporting communities, artists, and voices from all backgrounds. Artica strives to promote positive change through cultural expression and exploration. Through our support and advocacy, we aim to amplify voices, nurture talent, and promote tolerance and understanding.

CREATIVE

We believe in the transformative power of creativity. Artica Svalbard strives to ignite creativity and promote cultural expression and exploration. By nurturing artistic innovation, we aim to inspire new perspectives and solutions to the challenges faced by our region and the world. Our commitment to creativity fosters an environment where imagination and originality can thrive, driving cultural and social progress.

SUSTAINABLE

At Artica Svalbard, we recognise that true sustainability encompasses ecological, social, psychological, and cultural dimensions. We are dedicated to fostering practices that respect and preserve the environment, promote social equity, support mental well-being, and celebrate cultural diversity.

You can read our Environmental Policy and Action Plan
here.

ANNUAL REPORTS

You can view and download our annual reports using the below links:

Annual Report 2024: English / Norwegian
Annual Report 2023
Annual Report 2022
Annual Report 2021
Annual Report 2020