Artica Writings: Svalbard’s International Community Launches with Introduction by Elida Høeg

Longyearbyen, Svalbard Photo by: Ángel Valiente

Artica Svalbard’s Artica Writings series launches with a new focus on the personal stories of international residents in Svalbard, and the first instalment, written by journalist Elida Høeg, is now live. The series offers an intimate exploration of life on the Arctic archipelago, delving into the experiences of those who have chosen to call Svalbard home amidst its unique challenges and evolving socio-political landscape.

Høeg’s introduction sets the stage for the series, highlighting the diverse journeys of residents from over 50 countries. Against the backdrop of recent changes to Norwegian policies—such as new incentives to attract Norwegian families and restrictions on voting rights for non-Norwegians—the series captures how these shifts impact Svalbard’s international community.

“One always imagines Spitsbergen as a barren and silent frozen world—but that is a grave mistake,” writes Høeg, quoting the French traveler Léonie d’Audet, who visited Svalbard in 1839. D’Audet, likely the first woman to visit the archipelago, encountered no other people during her time there. Today, however, the once-silent Svalbard is alive with voices from Longyearbyen’s increasingly diverse community. Høeg’s introduction explores the policies and history that have shaped this community, from the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty to recent shifts in Norwegian governance.

The first in the series of seven essays goes live tomorrow, with subsequent essays published monthly. Readers can now access Elida Høeg’s introduction here setting the tone for a compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and resilience in Svalbard’s ever-changing landscape.