Thematic Network on Arctic Cultures and History (ARCH)

The network is principally dedicated to subjects arising from the field of human science though transdisciplinary cooperation with the social and natural sciences are also sought. Through centuries, the Arctic has attracted explorers, missionaries, researchers etc., especially from the late 18^th century to the present, leading to a wide range of interpretations in scholarly publications, popular books and artistic expressions. Working with texts such as historical accounts, political and geographical publications, travel writings, literature from the region and about the region, especially from the 18^th century to the present, the network makes use of also other materiel and artistic expressions in developing a “dual gaze”, looking at the Arctic from the inside and the outside, in order to understand and be able to explain from a perspective within the humanities current and foreseeable challenges in the region. The concept of cultural sustainability - meaning the ability to retain values, traditions and cultural practices in an ongoing negotiation with a continuous, growing, global interest and influence – is a key concept in the network’s research and activities.

Main activities of the network include

• An annual conference that brings together academics and practitioners of the fields covered by the network and members of Arctic societies including Indigenous groups
• Dissemination events for the general public
• Investigations into the establishment of a joint Arctic Master’s program

• “The Faroe Islands visited by the French expedition La Recherche in 1839. A presentation and discussion of the Faroese chapter of Xavier Marmier’s official account” (2022)

Bergur Djurhuus Hansen, Lead of the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic Cultures and History (ARCH).