Artica is a small organisation but our ambition is bold.
One of Norway’s leading not-for-profit residency foundations. Based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard we are a place for thinking slowly in a fast changing world.
Founded on the 8th of November 2016, the purpose of the foundation is to facilitate artistic and cultural activities on Svalbard, and to support the development of Norwegian and international art and culture.
The work of the foundation is made possible by the on-going financial support of the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality and Fritt Ord (the Freedom of Expression Foundation).
Think, Challenge, Inspire.
Working with Svalbard’s natural cycle from the midnight sun to the polar night, we place great emphasis on deep thinking around some of the most pressing issues of our time. Our mission is to challenge the perspectives of the polar regions, welcoming knowledge we don’t have in order to inspire change.
Our Values
Professional impact
Working with our key partners, collaborators and network to help us continuously improve the residents' (artists, writers, researchers) experience and impact on their work.
Engagement
We provide best practice in all that we do to ensure that we are embedded and seen as an effective asset for the communities and audiences we serve.
Influence change
Being part of the conversation for Longyearbyen’s transition to sustainability. And building towards change at regional, cultural and structural levels.
Our Goals and Strategies
In a fast moving world Artica offers a place to slow down, providing our residents with time to think, to challenge and be challenged, and to inspire. Our pioneering programme of residencies, artist development, community events, offsite commissions and collaborative network have gained an international reputation.
Building on this over the next 5 years, Artica will find innovative ways to support and strengthen the four pillars of the foundation:
Residencies
Fewer residents, longer stays, deeper thinking.
Challenging the idea of residencies as temporary, Artica will work closely with the key partners to support the artists, writers and researchers that come to Svalbard. Their physical stay is temporary, but the experience, friendship and knowledge (shared and gained) grows.
Community
Engage, support, challenge and promote.
Artica is very proudly located in Longyearbyen, Svalbard. From being a base for whalers in the 17th and 18th centuries, to coal mining in the 20th and 21st centuries. We are now a community facing increased tourism, a community of cutting-edge science and research about the Arctic and climate change, a community of families, guides and volunteers.
Artica will use its unique position to engage, support, challenge and promote discussions and thinking about the Arctic in a creative, welcoming and relaxed environment.
Audience
Artica might be in a remote location but our audience is global.
We know that the landscape, nature, climate, ecology, history and culture is of major significance for our audiences. Our programme will reflect many of the ideas, themes and subjects that are discussed by our residents and community. Our digital content provides an opportunity to promote these discussions further afield and to connect globally with our audience.
Network
Those who want change, assemble
Artica is comprised of a highly motivated board, staff, key partners, local and international collaborators, alliances and volunteers. This group brings local knowledge, professional expertise from further afield and across a broad range of relevant professional contexts. It will provide support and advice in order to build a positive and confident organisation.