Protect Affordable Creative Workspaces and Nybyen's Creative Community

This petition is about people, jobs, and opportunities in Longyearbyen.
Today, the building that houses Spitsbergen Artists Center provides affordable studios and workshops for seven local businesses and four independent artists. These spaces support local entrepreneurship, artistic production, tourism-related businesses, and community life.
When the lease expires in 2027, these businesses and artists risk losing their workplaces. At present, there are no known affordable alternatives in Longyearbyen that can accommodate everyone affected.
Over the last two years, the center has also become an important cultural venue. Since 2025, it has hosted more than 100 artists from over 25 countries, organized more than 70 exhibitions and events, and welcomed around 5,000 visitors annually. The center has contributed to Longyearbyen's cultural life, tourism, international visibility, and attractiveness as a place to live and work.
The decision to sell the building has already been made. However, the future of the people and activities currently based there remains unresolved.
We therefore ask Longyearbyen Local Council to ensure that local artists, creative entrepreneurs, and small businesses are not left without solutions when the lease expires. We also ask that all available opportunities for preserving affordable creative workspaces in Longyearbyen are properly explored.
As Longyearbyen continues its transition beyond the mining era, supporting local initiative, creativity, and small businesses should be part of building a resilient and diverse community for the future.