The August 2026 BB Research Residency will explore the concept of “The Arctic as a Mirror of Global Change”

The residency encourages both analytical and reflective approaches, emphasizing that the Arctic is not an isolated periphery, but a dynamic and interconnected space where environmental, cultural, and technological changes become especially visible and accelerated. In this context, the Arctic serves simultaneously as a research environment, a site of reflection, and a platform for international dialogue on the future of global change.

BB Research (Barentsburg Research) residency positions the Arctic not only as a region undergoing rapid environmental transformation, but also as a reflection of broader planetary, social, cultural, technological, and geopolitical processes shaping the contemporary world.

PAST

One Settlement, three timelines

— OVERVIEW

Barentsburg grew from the industrial expansion of the early twentieth century, though the surrounding fjords had long been visited by Pomor hunters and seafarers. Mining infrastructure, Arctic logistics, and life in extreme conditions shaped the settlement that still stands today.

An Arctic settlement shaped by industry

Climate scenarios, sustainability,
and future imaginaries

FUTURE

We approach the Arctic as a concentrated site of global change. The task is not only to study it within a single discipline, but to engage across frameworks — scientific, cultural, and artistic — including new tools like satellite systems for those who look ahead.

The Arctic as a mirror

One of the world’s northernmost settlements, Barentsburg is becoming a platform for international research collaboration, where Arctic landscapes, industrial heritage, and extreme environmental conditions create a unique setting for studying the sustainable development
of northern territories.

A meeting place at 78° North

Historical heritage, exploration, industrial legacy, Indigenous and local histories

PRESENT

Сontemporary scientific, social,
and geopolitical realities

— Research directions

Three directions,
one shared horizon

The residency is organized into three tracks: Social
and Natural Studies, and Artistic Research, all grounded in the Arctic landscape and supported by shared infrastructure.

KIND OF WORK

Interviews with residents, archival research, field notes, public writing.

FOCUS

Community life, governance
and cultural memory of one of the world's northernmost settlements.

WHO IS IT FOR

For ethnographers, historians, journalists & writers.

01 / Social Studies

Society & Culture

KIND OF WORK

Studio production, workshops, exhibitions and community presentations.

FOCUS

The Arctic as subject and studio:
sound, image, performance
and craft.

WHO IS IT FOR

For visual artists, musicians, performers & craftspeople.

03 / Artistic Research

Art & Interpretation

KIND OF WORK

Fieldwork, sampling, lab analysis with mentorship from the science station.

FOCUS

Glaciers, tundra and marine
environments provide unique
research opportunities.

WHO IS IT FOR

For climate, glacier, marine & wildlife researchers.

02 / Natural Studies

Environment & Climate

MUSIC & CRAFT STUDIO

SCIENCE LAB & FIELD

LIBRARY & ARCHIVES

— Terms

A two-week residency on the Svalbard archipelago. The program is partially funded, fully supported through mentoring and tutoring, and built around a meaningful exchange between researchers and the place that hosts them.

Participation Terms

Compliance with Svalbard environmental law

Public engagement and community interaction

Strong focus on climate, environmental, or social change

Respectful engagement with the natural environment

Collaboration and interaction with local residents

Research or creative work connected to the Arctic

A core part of the residency is translation: turning research into forms accessible to broader publics. This may include data-driven outputs, writing, scientific papers, sound, media or performance.

What we offer

What we expect

The residency removes logistical barriers so you can focus entirely on your research and collaboration.

RECREATION & COMMUNITY

Fieldwork access by agreement

Scientific laboratories with mentorship support

Weather station & satellite data

Historical archives & museum collections

Skiing & seasonal activities

Husky Farm

Photo & cinema laboratories

Studios, workshops, exhibition & performance spaces

RESEARCH & WORKING FACILITIES

Accommodation in a shared two-bed room (upgrade to a single room available upon request)

Two meals per day

High-speed internet access (excluding Pyramiden)

Transfers within the archipelago

Basic medical assistance in case of emergency

PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE

/ week

$700

Half-partially funded, partially supported

Program duration: 2 weeks · Total cost: $1400

PARTICIPATION FEE

Bar, café & restaurant access for networking

Sauna

GYM

Pool

ROUTE 1:

Svalbard is a visa-free territory. However, travel to Svalbard by plane (currently only possible via mainland Norway) requires valid multiple-entry access to the Schengen Area.

By plane via mainland Norway

ROUTE 2:

An alternative route is travel by vessel from the Russian city
of Murmansk, which requires valid multiple-entry access
to Russian territory.

By vessel from Murmansk

— TRAVEL ACCESS

— Practical INFORMATION

CANCELLATION

Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Partial refunds may be considered for cancellations made more than 30 days before the residency start date, excluding non-refundable administrative or booking fees. Cancellations made within 30 days of the residency are generally non-refundable. In cases of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances, requests will be reviewed individually.

Refund policy

INSURANCE STRONGLY ADVISED

Participants are strongly advised to obtain appropriate travel and medical insurance covering Arctic travel conditions, delays, and cancellations.

Payment & Cancellation
Summary

PAYMENT

Participants are responsible for covering the residence fee according to the selected residency package and duration of stay. The fee includes accommodation and access to residency facilities during the program period. Transportation to/from Longyearbyen, insurance, personal expenses, and other additional costs are not included unless otherwise
specified.

Residence fee

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RESOURCES

NAVIGATION

Email

CONTACTS

9178, Barentsburg, Svalbard
Kingdom of Norway