Artist Residency
The Spitsbergen Artists Residency is an open-call residency located in Svalbard for artists desiring to work in the high Arctic.
Our Mission
The goal of the Spitsbergen Artists Residency is to foster the connection of artists from different countries, disciplines, and media with the reality of the high Arctic. There is no more urgent issue facing our world than climate change, and Svalbard is where climate change happens first. At the Spitsbergen Artists Center we believe that while art is not THE answer, it is AN answer in increasing awareness of what is happening to our shared planet and hopefully, together we can be agents for change. Welcome to the Spitsbergen Artists Center. Open your eyes. See what is around you. Share it with others.
Location
The residency is located at 78°12.2' N 015°35.3' E. , Longyearbyen. The address is Vei 100.02, or Road 100.2 – as most streets in town are indicated with a number. Longyearbyen is named after John Munro Longyear, an American coal magnate who founded the town in 1906 as a coal mining town.
For many years, coal was the primary industry of Svalbard. The residency building is in Nybyen – meaning 'The new town' which is in the south end of the Longyear valley. Most of the town was destroyed during WWII. These buildings were built in 1946-47 for the miners who worked at Mine2B. The residency building was originally used as the miners’ store.
To Apply
The Spitsbergen residency is the only open-call residency in Svalbard. We accept applications year-round. To apply please send a written proposal of your intended work in Svalbard and how it relates to the polar regions, your CV, and a link to your website or Instagram page, or include examples of current work. Applications are by email only. In your application please include the time of year you are interested in coming, and for how long you want to stay.
We ask that every artist be willing to give back to the community by either having an exhibition during their stay, or giving a workshop, or a lecture. Please let us know your preference in the application.
Rooms and Price
The residency consists of three private rooms, a common area with a fully equipped kitchen, and two shared bathrooms. There is a laundry machine. Bed linen and towels are provided. Internet is provided. Two of the bedrooms are equipped with two single beds that can be pushed together. One room has a double bed. All bedrooms have a workspace. The large common area has a full kitchen with two refrigerators, stove, microwave, dining area, large living space, and a computer work area.
The price for the residency is 15,000 NOK/month. If a room is shared between two people, the price for the room is 22,500 NOK/month. The minimum stay is two weeks. The maximum stay is three months.
There is one workspace available on the same floor as the residency, which can be rented for 2550 NOK/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I get to Svalbard?
By plane. Both SAS and Norwegian Airlines fly to Svalbard from Oslo and Tromsø. There is no boat service to Svalbard.
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What about COVID?
It's best to check with the Norwegian government covid page as the rules change frequently, and they vary from country to country. Here is the link: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/coronavirus/international-travels/
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How cold does it get?
Winter temperatures can get to -35C, but usually are around -15C to -20C. February and March are the coldest months. Summer temperatures are around 7C. But weather is unpredictable now. It can get quite warm and very cold without warning at any time.
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What about polar bears?
Polar bears rarely come into town. However, beyond the polar bear warning signs people must carry a rifle and signal pistol for protection. Fortunately, there are many guides and tour companies who are happy to help you plan travel beyond the settlement. If you are licensed and make arrangements to rent a gun, there is a gun safe at the residency.
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Is it safe to walk to town?
Yes. The residency is 2km south of downtown, and the road is frequently traveled.
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Is there public transportation?
Other than a shuttle bus to the airport, no. All locations within town are in walking distance. There are two taxi companies who can be hired to take you when walking is unpleasant or you want to go further than is comfortable for you.
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Can I bring my partner?
Your partner is welcome to come with you and share your room. All rooms have two single beds that can be pushed together. There is an extra charge for double occupancy.
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Can I bring my child?
Unfortunately, children are not accepted at the residency.
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Are there accommodations for people with special needs?
Longyearbyen is not well suited for anyone with mobility challenges. If you have specific questions please write and inquire.
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Is there an art/camera supply store?
There is no art or camera supply store on Svalbard. The Coop sells camera SIM cards and a few other camera add-ons. There is no art supply store, and it is recommended that you bring with you whatever you think you will need for your work.
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When is is midnight sun/polar night?
Midnight sun officially runs from April 19th to August 23rd, although there is no true night well before and after those dates. Polar night extends from mid November to the end of January, with December being the darkest month. During polar night you might see northern lights at any time.