Reflecting on 2024: Highlights from Artica Svalbard

2024 has been a year of remarkable achievements, creative exploration, and meaningful collaboration at Artica Svalbard. From welcoming a diverse group of new residents and hosting engaging community events to strengthening partnerships, this year has reinforced our role as a hub for cultural dialogue and artistic innovation in the Arctic.

We are proud to reflect on the highlights of a year that brought together artists, writers, and the local community to explore vital themes and share new perspectives.

Welcoming New Voices

In 2024, we welcomed eleven new residents to Artica Svalbard: Roald Berg, Ellen Viste, Cathrine Alice Liberg, Kamil Kak, Januario Jano, Endre Harvold Kvangraven, Ellen Heck, Nastassja Simensky, Mhairi Killin, Liryc Dela Cruz, and Sébastien Robert. It was a pleasure to support their work and learn from their unique perspectives. We hope this marks the beginning of lasting connections.

Continuing Projects and Partnerships

While welcoming new voices, we also supported the ongoing work of past residents. Inma Herrera returned to Artica to build on her project "Arctic Tales of Mother Earth," further deepening her engagement with Svalbard’s environment and sharing her insights with the community.

Additionally, alumni Rikke Luther and Nikhil Vettukattil were commissioned to create new works for NAARCA. These pieces, showcased in an online exhibition, drew upon their earlier experiences at Artica and other NAARCA residencies, reflecting the initiative’s commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and impactful responses to climate-related themes.

This year, we also collaborated with Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum and Stormen kunst/dájdda to present ØYFJELLET: From the Frontline of Land Rights in Sápmi, by INTERPRT, a research agency led by former residents Nabil Ahmed and Olga Lucko. The exhibition highlighted pressing environmental and cultural issues, aligning with our mission to engage in meaningful dialogue around global and local challenges. The exhibition is on display at Stormen kunst/dájdda in Bodø until 4th January 2025, so if you are based in Bodø or planning a visit, be sure to check it out!

Other Memorable Moments from 2024

Global Recognition: This year, Artica Svalbard was honoured to be featured in Artnet’s selection of the top 35 artist residencies worldwide. This acknowledgment reflects the impact of our efforts to connect artists and writers with Svalbard’s unique environment and to facilitate meaningful cultural exchanges.

Community Engagement: Our commitment to connecting with the local community shone through in events such as artist talks and presentations by Cathrine Alice Liberg, Ellen Viste, Ellen Heck, Inma Herrera, Nastassja Simensky, and Sébastien Robert. Lectures by Endre Harvold Kvangraven and Roald Berg brought academic depth to our programming, while the winners of the Young Environmental Journalist Competition, held in collaboration with Svalbardposten, celebrated emerging creative voices addressing ecological issues. A special highlight was the screening of "END (two prologues)" by Dora García, presented in partnership with CNIO.

Creative Workshops: From linocut and marbling workshops to our new Art Club series, 2024 offered residents and the local community countless opportunities to explore their creativity and connect. Notable highlights included the Photo Zine Workshop led by Kamil Kak, the mooncake workshop with pastry chef Ethan Kan, the sun medallion workshop during Solfestuka, and linocut workshops with Cathrine Alice Liberg and Olaf Storø.

Artica Writings: The 2024 Artica Writings essay series explores personal stories of migration to Svalbard, delving into themes of belonging, adaptation, and the multifaceted experiences of Arctic life. Led by writer and journalist Elida Høeg, a former Artica resident, and photographer Ángel Valiente, the series offers a deeply personal glimpse into life on Svalbard. These essays will begin to be shared in early 2025—be sure to keep a look out for them.

Alumni Achievements: The achievements of our alumni continued to inspire in 2024. Rikke Luther opened her exhibition Dust & Flow at Gotland Art Museum, featuring work she developed during her residency at Artica Svalbard. Ruth Maclennan premiered her film GOOD WINTER! on the World Weather Network, while Emma Stibbon presented her first large-scale show at a major UK institution. Trine Hamran released her book Hybridkrig: Hvordan russisk aggresjon setter Norge på prøve, a project developed during her time at Artica. These highlights are just a small sample of the remarkable accomplishments by our past residents this year, and we look forward to continuing to follow and celebrate their journeys.

A Word of Thanks

These achievements and memorable moments would not have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our partners, funders, and community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, including the Norwegian Nonfiction Writers' and Translators' Association (NFFO), Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum, the Office for Contemporary Art Norway (OCA), and The Queen Sonja Print Award. Their collaboration, alongside our work with NAARCA, Longyearbyen Lokalstyre, Svalbard Museum, Nordover, Svalbard Folkehøgskole, Longyearbyen Library, University Centre in Svalbard, and others, has been invaluable. Many thanks also to our funders, including the Norwegian Ministry of Culture and Equality, Fritt Ord, Sparebankstiftelsen, and Bodø 2024, whose support has enabled us to carry out our residencies, projects, and events. Without your continued support, our work would not be possible.

Finally, a huge thank you to the local community who continue to surprise us with their generosity, welcoming our residents with their time, knowledge, experiences, food, laughter, and perspectives about our unique home here in Svalbard.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to fostering cultural and artistic exchange, strengthening connections, and building on the successes of this remarkable year. We can’t wait to welcome the next residents to Longyearbyen and to share their journeys with you as we embark on another exciting year of creativity and connection. 

Stay updated on our programs and events by subscribing to our newsletter below and following us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to seeing you at Artica’s workshops, talks, and events throughout 2025. Wishing all our good friends and collaborators—locally, nationally, and internationally—a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!