Artica Writings 2024: Svalbard’s International Community now published
We are pleased to announce the publication of Artica Writings 2024: Svalbard’s International Community, the latest edition in Artica Svalbard’s essay series. This limited-edition publication explores the personal stories and experiences of international residents living in Svalbard, reflecting on belonging, identity, and life within one of the world’s most internationally diverse Arctic communities.
Unlike many Arctic regions, Svalbard has no Indigenous population, with around 2,500 residents representing more than 50 nationalities. As Norwegian policies increasingly seek to strengthen Longyearbyen as a Norwegian family community, changes to housing, services, and political participation are reshaping experiences of living in the archipelago. These shifts raise important questions about inclusion, governance, and the future of Svalbard’s international society.
Led by journalist Elida Høeg, known for her work exploring climate change and migration, with photography by Ángel Valiente, the series presents a collection of interviews conducted in Longyearbyen in late 2024. The essays trace personal journeys to Svalbard, experiences of adapting to life and customs in Norway, and reflections on what it means to build a temporary or lasting home in the High Arctic.
Coinciding with the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty, which upholds principles of shared access and equality, the publication offers an intimate and timely portrait of a community navigating change.
To celebrate the launch, we invite you to join us for coffee and waffles at Artica on Tuesday 26 May at 18:00 for an informal book launch event. Everyone is welcome.
If you’re based in Svalbard, copies are available to purchase for 100 NOK from the Artica Workshop — simply drop by during opening hours.
For international orders - Due to Svalbard's tax-free status, selling and shipping items from here can be complex, so offering our books for free helps us avoid those issues. While we declare the book as having no commercial value, some countries may still apply customs fees based on local regulations. To order a book, please email us at books@articasvalbard.no, and we’ll calculate the shipping cost based on your location.
Designed by City Edition Studio, the publication is typeset in STK Bureau Serif by Smuss Type Kiosk and Scatterplot by CAST Type Foundry, and printed on recycled paper by Taylor Brothers Ltd, Bristol, UK.
The book was made possible with the generous support of Fritt Ord.