INDEPENDENTLY-FUNDED RESIDENCIES

Artica Svalbard welcomes artists, cultural practitioners, writers, and researchers from all disciplines and career stages to apply for our independently-funded residency programme. We welcome individuals and collaborators able to meet the costs of a residency through the direct support of academic institutions, public funders, foundations, or private means. Independently-funded residencies can take place throughout the year.

We have also welcomed back previous residents who have secured their own funding to continue their research and projects that began during their residencies on Svalbard, and we actively encourage our previous residents to return. We value the connections made with our residents and consider these relationships an integral part of our community's growth and success.

IS SVALBARD THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOUR RESIDENCY?

Svalbard is a critical location for studying and discussing climate change. Located in the High Arctic, it is one of the fastest-warming regions on Earth, with temperatures rising up to six times faster than the global average. The archipelago's changing climate is visibly evident in melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and shifting wildlife behaviours. Given the unique and urgent environmental changes occurring in Svalbard, we emphasise our commitment to sustainability by only considering applications from individuals whose research or projects specifically require being in this region. If your project does not necessitate travelling to the upper Arctic, we encourage you to consider alternative residencies to minimise the environmental impact of your trip.

If you do fulfill the above criteria, applicants can apply for one of three residency options:

  • NOK 4525,00 per week - with a minimum commitment of three weeks

    Private, self-catering accommodation in the centre of Longyearbyen.

    This option is suitable for writers or researchers who only require a simple desk setup, or artists who are working on field or research-based work.

    This option is not suitable for artists who work with any form of wet media indoors.

    Click here for more information about our apartments.

  • NOK 5260,00 per week - with a minimum commitment of three weeks

    This option includes private, self-catering accommodation in the centre of Longyearbyen, and an additional 14m² private artist studio/study space located at the Artica Workshop, with views across Adventfjorden.

    Click here for more information about our apartments.

    Click here for more information about our workshop.

    This option is suitable for writers or researchers who prefer to have a separate office space to work from away from their accommodation, or for artists who want their own private studio space.

  • NOK 6735,00 per week - with a minimum commitment of three weeks

    This option includes private, self-catering accommodation in the centre of Longyearbyen.

    You will also have full access to our 84m² professional print workshop, including all associated equipment.

    Click here for more information about our apartments.

    Click here for more information about our workshop.

    Please note: the print workshop is a shared workspace, large enough to accommodate two print-based artists simultaneously. Although we strive to avoid booking artists whose practices might interfere with each other, there may be occasions when another artist in residency uses the same equipment as you do. In such cases, it is essential that all artists work harmoniously together, respect each other's space and practice, and embrace a spirit of collaboration.

All residents have 24-hour access to the communal kitchen, library and work area located at the Artica workshop, however if other residents are working, please be respectful of their workspace.

We strive to be as inclusive as possible and accommodate residents with family commitments or specific requirements. Alternative apartments may be available to ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for all. Please include any specific needs or preferences in your application.

WHY OUR RESIDENCIES ARE THREE WEEKS MINIMUM

At Artica Svalbard, we believe that meaningful artistic and research pursuits require ample time and space to develop. Therefore, we have established a minimum commitment of three weeks for our residency program. This duration allows residents to fully immerse themselves in their work during their stay, engage deeply with Svalbard's environment, and foster meaningful connections within our local community. It supports the development of substantial and impactful work, encouraging sustained creativity and collaboration.

By focusing on fewer, longer residencies, we enhance the overall impact of our program and align with our commitment to sustainability. Longer residencies facilitate in-depth exploration and significant contributions to the field while reducing the environmental footprint associated with frequent travel. This approach ensures that each residency experience is transformative, meaningful, and environmentally responsible, allowing our residents to thrive and produce work of lasting significance.

GIVING BACK: SHARED KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Historically, Svalbard has been a place of extraction, with activities such as whaling, trapping, and mining taking resources with little regard for long-term impact. Artica Svalbard aims to counteract this history by encouraging residents to think about what they can leave behind for the community. We believe in the importance of shared knowledge and cultural exchange.

Through our public program, we encourage our residents to give back to the community by offering workshops, artist talks, lectures, debates, or other forms of engagement. While these activities are not compulsory, they are highly encouraged as they provide valuable opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual learning, enriching both the local community and the residency experience. We encourage you to consider how your unique experiences and insights might benefit the local Longyearbyen community, creating a legacy of shared knowledge and cultural exchange.

Additional Important Note:

While we strive to minimise disruptions to our residents, Artica Svalbard and other residents occasionally uses the print workshop area for community events and workshops. These events typically occur 1-2 times per month. One such event is our monthly First Friday Coffee Club, a regular networking gathering that offers residents the opportunity to connect with the wider Svalbard community, including local artists, scientists, guides, and others.

We ensure to give our residents as much notice as possible for any events and workshops that may interrupt their work, but by applying for an Independently-Funded Residency, you acknowledge and accept that these events may take place and that you are comfortable working to accommodate them.

All public events including their location are listed on the Artica Events page on our website.

If you are interested in applying for our Independently-Funded Residency, please submit an application form using the below link. Our team will review your application and if it is successful we will be in touch with you soon regarding the next steps.

If you have any further questions, email: info@articasvalbard.no