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.
The Arctic positions is 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.
a reflection of broader planetary, social, cultural, technological, and geopolitical processes shaping the contemporary world.
One Settlement, three timelines
— OVERVIEW
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.
of northern territories.
A meeting place at 78° North
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
FUTURE
PRESENT
PAST
Climate scenarios, sustainability,
and future imaginaries.
and future imaginaries.
Сontemporary scientific, social,
and geopolitical realities
and geopolitical realities
Historical heritage, exploration, industrial legacy, Indigenous and local histories
Three directions,
one shared horizon
one shared horizon
— Research directions
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.
MUSIC & CRAFT STUDIO
03 / Artistic Research
02 / Natural Studies
Field access to glaciers, tundra, and marine environments. Work alongside monitoring stations and scientific infrastructure. Svalbard's data density is unmatched at this latitude.
Environment & Climate
SCIENCE LAB & FIELD
01 / Social Studies
Use the Arctic as subject and studio. Sound, visual materials, performance, and craft — the residency provides space for workshops, exhibitions,
and community presentation.
and community presentation.
Art & Interpretation
Examine community life, governance and cultural memory in one of the world's most remote settlements. Engage directly with residents
and local institutions.
and local institutions.
Society & Culture
LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
— Terms
A two-week residency on the Svalbard archipelago — partially funded, fully supported, and built around a clear exchange between researchers and the place that hosts them.
All participants receive comprehensive support. The residency removes logistical barriers so you can focus entirely on your research and collaboration.
What we offer
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.
/ week
$700
What we expect
Participation Terms
- Access to field work by agreement
- Space for workshops, exhibitions, performance, round table
- Photo & cinema labs
- Weather station & satellite data access
- Research facilities & science laboratories
- High-speed internet (Pyramiden not included)
- Transfers within the archipelago
- Two meals per day
- Free accommodation in a shared room
INCLUDED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
- Public engagement and community interaction
- Strong focus on climate, environmental, or social change
- Compliance with Svalbard environmental law
- Respectful engagement with the natural environment
Program duration: 2 weeks · Total cost: $1400
- Collaboration and interaction with local residents
PARTICIPATION FEE
WE ALSO VALUE
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RESOURCES
NAVIGATION
Email
CONTACTS
9178, Barentsburg, Svalbard
Kingdom of Norway
Kingdom of Norway
