Tag Archives: Kunsthall Svalbard
Under development: Government’s proposed budget for Svalbard in 2017 boosts science and airport security, omits avalanche projects – for now
New scientific research facilities and a few new officers to boost airport security are in. Avalanche-related construction projects are out – for now, although that might change during the next few weeks.
Imitation art work: Government’s ‘debut’ of artists’ residency program in Longyearbyen overlooks original
Yes, it’s a shinier version of what we already have, but it’s rather misleading the givers of the gift keep insisting it’s a new, first-time thing.
“Norwegian government launches art foundation and residency on Svalbard,” is typical of the barrage of global headlines during the past couple of weeks, after the government announced June 12 it is providing two million kroner annually for a residency program supporting three to five artists per year. The announcement coincided with an exhibition by the museum’s first resident artist and a conference of international artists focusing on the Arctic.
Minding the art: Tiny new museum more about concept than space, backers say
As with most art, it’s about more than meets the naked eye.
Physically, it’s a nearly empty meeting room with a video screen, a TV and a few small black-and-white paintings on one of the walls. But art lovers from Queen Sonja on down are calling the new Kunsthall Svalbard a profound statement about Longyearbyen’s future place in the world.
