The Academy of Contemporary Art aims to educate artists on a high professional level and contribute to new expertise in the Field of contemporary art. Key values are artistic integrity, sustainability, critical awareness, and responsibility.
The Academy is located in Tromsø, North Norway, beyond the Arctic Circle. Since its early days, the town has served as a focal point in the culturally diverse circumpolar area. In this setting, the Academy of Contemporary Art aspires to develop new forms of artistic practice. What is called for here and in the world are exploratory, audacious and critical contemporary artists with sensitivity of context. The Academy of Contemporary Art seeks to be an innovative centre of art. The size and character of Tromsø makes it an ideal setting for a committed and active presence. The academic and cultural establishments of the town form important points of engaged presence.
Rooted in local and regional conditions, and understanding of the complexity of place, lies the potential for a global orientation. The Academy wants to be a forum for students and staff, working in, and gaining experience from, the dynamic interplay between local and international contexts.
Through active participation and cooperation the Academy of Contemporary Art will form associations and networks. Insight into cultural, social and ethnic disparities increases the potential for a sustainable practice of art. The understanding of the historical division between nature and culture – human ecology – is to be emphasized.
The studies at the Academy promote self-development through social engagement, collaborations, and insight in fundamental analytical and communication tools. Multifarious knowledge from both social and natural sciences will be integrated with the art-specific. Theory with focus on Identity politics and sustainability is intertwined with practice.
The Academy of Contemporary Art asks from the students a considerable degree of independence as well as skills, orientation, articulation and project management. In addition, responsibility within the group, sharing and active participation are expected. An organizational structure which is fundamentally extroverted, mobile and flexible will ensure student impact and opportunities for artistic development.
Updated February 2010
