Screenshot of the visualised Svalbardposten digital archive

How do the stories we tell about a place shape our understanding of community? Join us for an evening exploring a new research project that uses computational methods to examine nearly two decades of local news coverage from Svalbardposten.

Developed by researchers from the University of Groningen in collaboration with artists and designers, the project presents the first computational exploration of Svalbardposten’s digital archive, comprising more than 16,700 articles published between 2006 and 2024. Through an interactive visualisation, the project offers a new way of navigating the newspaper archive and reflecting on the people, topics, and events that have shaped life in Longyearbyen.

This presentation showcases an early prototype and forms part of a larger research initiative that will continue throughout 2026. Rather than offering a definitive interpretation of the archive, the project invites dialogue and community participation. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to explore the visualisation, discuss the stories and patterns it reveals, and contribute ideas that will help shape the next phase of development.

Together, we will consider what the archive can tell us about Longyearbyen from within: the concerns, relationships, histories, and everyday experiences that define community life, and how these perspectives relate to the broader global narratives often associated with Svalbard.

Hosted by: Dr. Dario Rodighiero (University of Groningen), Tina Rosado (Northeastern University) and Sabina Rosenbergova (University of Groningen). In collaboration with Svalbardposten.

When: Wednesday 26 August, 18:00–20:00
Where: Artica Svalbard, Vei 608–3

This event is free and open to all. No booking required.