OPEN CALL:The Artica Svalbard Foundation seeks a new Director

The aim of Artica Svalbard is to raise awareness of and discussion about the polar regions´ relevance to art with a special focus on geopolitics, climate change, migration and minorities.

The year 2020 has been one of unprecedented change, and, more than ever, a joint global effort is needed in response. As Director of Artica Svalbard there is a unique opportunity to actively lead the way and further develop a foundation that encourages and explores change through art and research.

Based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, an archipelago situated in the ocean between Northern Norway and the North Pole, Artica Svalbard runs an international Artists’ Residency Programme as well as a number of projects within the arts, literature and research. Artica Svalbard wishes to stimulate an exchange of critical and philosophical ideas and it is the Foundation’s ambition to play an active part in global debate and to encourage discussions on the Arctic at both an international and local level. This ambition can be realised through artistic production within the residency, through collaborative projects and by creating new platforms for dialogue.

The Director is responsible for the Residency Programme and its development; will conceive and deliver projects, collaborations and actions; and will ensure that all reach and maintain the highest professional standards. The Director is also in charge of the annual event Artica Listens, one of the Arctic’s most significant art events highlighting urgent issues relating to the polar regions and their global influence.

Artica Svalbard seeks a Director with the vision, passion and experience to lead this young and ambitious foundation into its next chapter. The new Director will provide strong leadership and will be an outstanding ambassador for the polar region and its potential.

The role of the Director:
– Day-to-day management
– Oversee and develop the residency program and ensure that it maintains the highest professional standards
– Facilitate and co-curate the annual event, Artica Listens
– Report to the Board and maintain a strong liaison with the Key Partners and collaborators
– Initiate and manage new projects with the aim of reaching the Foundation’s long-term goals
– Monitor the annual budget and manage all matters of finance and administration
– Communications

The Director will ensure that Artica Svalbard works within the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a special focus on climate and environmental issues.

Requirements:
– The candidate must have, at a minimum, an MA or equivalent and/or relevant experience at a cultural organization
– Management and leadership experience
– Outstanding communications and relationship building skills
– A strong international network
– Good understanding of organizational structures

Skills:
– Strong written, presentation and communication skills
– Be collaborative and open-minded
– Ambitious and able to see projects through
– Must enjoy adjusting to new and multidisciplinary environments
– Be creative and innovative

Artica Svalbard can offer:
– A unique work location that constantly evolves and is a place of immense importance to global issues
– A great work environment, inspiring colleagues and diverse work tasks
– Flexible working hours (evening and weekend work is expected)
– Salary set according to agreement. Beneficial local tax regulations.

Further information:
100 % full time position
3-year project position. There is a six-month trial period
Location: The Director is expected to be based in Longyearbyen, Svalbard

Contact information:
Anne Berit Figenschau, Head of Board T +4791363001 / an-figen@online.no
A K Dolven, Member of the Board T +4797658963 / ak@akdolven.com
Moa Björnson, Member of the Board T +4747478016 / moa.bjorn@gmail.com

Deadline for application: July 1, 2020

Send your full application including CV and other attachments to email: info@articasvalbard.no

About the Foundation Artica Svalbard
Artica Svalbard was founded in 2016 by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, Fritt Ord (the Freedom of Expression Foundation) and the Cultural Business Development Foundation of the bank, SpareBank1 Nord Norge, in 2016. The Foundation’s Norwegian key partners are: The Office for contemporary Art (OCA), Norwegian PEN, and The Queen Sonja Print Award (QSPA).