To the cultural community in Longyearbyen

On behalf of NOKU Northern Norway, we are pleased to invite cultural professionals in Longyearbyen to a professional development day and a gathering of colleagues.

The theme of the conference is “The Role of Culture in Emergency Preparedness in the North,” and it promises to be an exciting day featuring presentations, discussions, and the exchange of experiences at Kulturhuset.

Time: September 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m. Location: Kulturhuset, Longyearbyen

Participation in the conference is free.

Registration
: By September 4 at:
carina.abrahamsen@lokalstyre.no

When registering, please provide:

• Name
• Place of work/organization
• What you do / the role or position you hold
• Whether you would like lunch (approx. NOK 250), as well as any allergies/dietary needs and whether you would like a vegetarian meal

Lunch is not included and will cost approximately NOK 250. We are still finalizing the logistics regarding lunch.

See the invitation from NOKU for the full program and more information.

Welcome!

Dear cultural sector employees and NOKU members in Northern Norway,

Since 2024, the NOKU Northern Norway County Board has been working to bring together the municipal cultural sector in the northernmost counties.

Now, the county board is delighted to invite you to an exciting PROFESSIONAL DAY and colleagues’ gathering on Svalbard on September 17. The professional theme for the gathering is: The role of culture in emergency preparedness in the north.

PROGRAM September 17, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Welcome remarks by Carina Borch Abrahamsen, Longyearbyen Local Council, and Tor Helge Reinsnes Moen, County Chapter Chair of NOKU.
• Opening Lecture: Culture and War – When Culture Becomes Part of Emergency Preparedness, by Bård Kleppe, Senior Researcher at Telemarksforskning.
• Presentation and discussion with the Svalbard Youth Council, by Kaja Kristensen (Alta): How do young people themselves view future emergency preparedness and public safety?
• Lecture by Merete Jørstad: Identity as Preparedness. Jørstad is the director of the Kven Language Center.

• Presentation by Carina Borch Abrahamsen, Head of the Culture and Sports Unit: Cultural Life at the World’s Northernmost Community Effort. On how we build, organize, and create cultural life at 78 degrees north

• Closing Remarks: Welcome to Kulturytring 2027! Information about NOKU and Kulturytring by Festival Director Kaia Brænne.

The professional development day is organized in collaboration with the Longyearbyen Local Council, Department of Culture External link. and Sports.

NOKU Northern Norway is committed to using this gathering as an opportunity for cultural directors and cultural staff in the municipalities to exchange experiences, and we have set aside time for breaks and collegial networking.

The Norwegian Cultural Forum (NOKU) is an advocacy organization for the local cultural sector and has more than 230 municipalities and county councils as members throughout the country. NOKU has county and regional chapters nationwide.