Tracing Arctic Histories: Audun Aagre arrives in Longyearbyen

We are excited to welcome journalist, documentary filmmaker, and author Audun Aagre to Artica Svalbard for a residency from May–June 2026, nominated by the Norsk Faglitterær Forfatter og Oversetterforening.

Aagre has worked extensively across Norwegian media, including Aftenposten, VG, NRK, and SVT, and has published several books combining text and photography. Alongside his work in politics, culture, and technology, he has maintained a long-standing interest in Arctic history.

During his residency, Aagre will research and begin writing a nonfiction book exploring the 1906 scientific expedition to North-West Spitsbergen led by Prince Albert of Monaco and Norwegian polar scientist Gunnar Isachsen. The project examines how the expedition contributed to the foundations of Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard.

As part of the research, he plans to retrace sections of the original route, visiting remote areas around Ny-Ålesund and Magdalenefjorden.

We look forward to following the next stages of the project from Longyearbyen.