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.
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
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.
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
and geopolitical realities
— Research directions
Three directions,
one shared horizon
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.
03 / Artistic Research
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
02 / Natural Studies
01 / Social Studies
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
SCIENCE LAB & FIELD
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
MUSIC & CRAFT STUDIO
— Terms
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 expect
A two-week residency on the Svalbard archipelago — partially
funded, fully supported through mentoring and tutoring, and built around a meaningful exchange between researchers and the place
that hosts them.
funded, fully supported through mentoring and tutoring, and built around a meaningful exchange between researchers and the place
that hosts them.
Participation Terms
The residency removes logistical barriers so you can focus entirely on your research and collaboration.
What we offer
/ week
$700
Half-partially funded — financial support options available
Program duration: 2 weeks · Total cost: $1400
PARTICIPATION FEE
03 · Artistic Research
02 · Natural Sciences
01 · Social Studies
RECREATION & COMMUNITY
- Bar, café & restaurant access for networking
- Pool, sauna, gym, husky farm, skiing & seasonal activities
RESEARCH & WORKING FACILITIES
- Historical archives & museum collections
- Studios, workshops, exhibition & performance spaces
- Photo & cinema laboratories
- Weather station & satellite data
- Scientific laboratories with mentorship support
- Fieldwork access by agreement
- Transfers within the archipelago
- Basic medical assistance in case of emergency
- High-speed internet access (excluding Pyramiden)
- Two meals per day
- Accommodation in a shared two-bed room (upgrade to a single room available upon request)
- Public engagement and community interaction
- Strong focus on climate, environmental, or social change
- Compliance with Svalbard environmental law
- Respectful engagement with the natural environment
- Collaboration and interaction with local residents
WE ALSO EXPECT
PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE
The residency is organised into three tracks — Social Studies, Natural Sciences, and Artistic Research — all grounded in the Arctic landscape and supported by shared infrastructure.
RESEARCH TRACKS
— TRAVEL ACCESS
— Practical INFORMATION
Payment & Cancellation
Summary
Summary
CANCELLATION
ROUTE 2:
An alternative route is travel by vessel from the Russian city
of Murmansk, which requires valid multiple-entry access
to Russian territory.
of Murmansk, which requires valid multiple-entry access
to Russian territory.
By vessel from Murmansk
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
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
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.
specified.
Residence fee
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RESOURCES
NAVIGATION
Email
CONTACTS
9178, Barentsburg, Svalbard
Kingdom of Norway
Kingdom of Norway
