OUR TEAM
Artica Svalbard operates with a small team of just two full-time and one part-time staff members. However, through collaboration, resourcefulness, and a strong network of partners, we work tirelessly to support our residency programs, public initiatives, and creative projects, ensuring that Artica continues to make a meaningful impact both locally and internationally.
Charlotte Hetherington
Director
Charlotte Hetherington joined Artica Svalbard as director in November 2020. Prior to this she worked as Artist Liaison at Thomas Dane Gallery in London, UK. After graduating from Newcastle University in 2007 with a MA in Museum & Gallery studies, Charlotte joined Spike Island in Bristol before moving onto a role in Exhibitions at White Cube, London. Charlotte brings over fourteen years experience working with international artists and institutions.
Sally Hovelsø
Residency and Community Coordinator
Sally Hovelsø joined Artica Svalbard as Residency and Community Coordinator in October 2024. Sally has lived on Svalbard for over twelve years, gaining extensive experience in project management, logistics and hospitality. Her deep connections within the local community and knowledge of life in the Arctic is an invaluable support for Artica's visiting artists and writers.
Tom Warner
Marketing and Communcations Manager
Tom Warner has a rich background in branding, design, and communications, leading creative teams over a 15-year career. Since February 2021, Tom has worked with Artica Svalbard in various support roles and has managed our communications since May 2024. In addition to his communications expertise, Tom is a filmmaker. His combined skills in strategic communication and visual storytelling help amplify the reach and impact of Artica’s residency programs and creative initiatives.
OUR BOARD
Anne Berit Figenschau - Chair
Anne Berit has been Head of board at Artica Svalbard since 2018. She holds extensive experience with Arctic issues, including her role as Director of Innovation Norway Arctic and from previous roles as Director of Norwegian Tax Administration in Tromsø, Director of Telenor Nordic in Tromsø and International Relations in Tromsø 2018. Anne Berit’s areas of expertise include Arctic businesses, international relations and political analysis. She holds an Master of Business Administration (Strategic leadership and economy) from UiT The Arctic University of Tromsø.
Jan Martin Berg
Jan Martin Berg was the former director of Galleri Svalbard in Longyearbyen. Now based in Tromsø he is an independent art consultant.
Moa Björnson
Moa Björnson is a kaospilot, working with urban and rural development and placemaking, based in Træna and Bodø. Moa is CEO for Træna 365 and placemaker in Molobyen, Bodø. She is founder of Træna Artist in Residence, vice chairman of the board in Helgeland Museum, head of the advisory board for the Movium Think Tank and jury member in KOROs art programme for local communities.
Susanne Kaluza
Susanne Kaluza is CEO of the House of Literature Foundation in Oslo, the largest of its kind in Europe. Previously Susanne worked as editor in chief, a CSR advisor, as head of a gender equality initiative, she was a journalist for 10 years at the national newspaper Dagbladet and has authored 5 books. Kaluza sits as director of the board at Drammen Scener, and as board member for KOK Norge, Stiftelsen Nok, Talerlisten and Stiftelsen Ingrid Aunes Minnefond.
Ina Otzko
Ina Otzko is a visual artist and independent curator working internationally. She is co-founder and director of the artist initiative ArtBase Helgeland 66N (ABH) since 2005 and organized AiR Helgeland-Berlin. She has been active within Norwegian art and culture politics since 2008.
She is currently chairman for Nordnorsk Kunstnersenter, board member for NyMusikk Nordland, and Norsk Fotografisk Fond (NOFOFO). Past positions include chairman for Nord-Norske Bildende Kunstnere (NNBK), board member / deputy chairman for Norske Billedkunstnere (NBK) and member of the Artistic advisory board for Lofoten Internasjonale Kunstfestival (LIAF). Based in Longyearbyen / Sandnessjøen.
Robert Johansen
Robert Johansen has a long history in Svalbard. First he was a miner from 1982-1994, then a pilot in Lufttransport for 22 years and then the founder and owner of Svalbard Bryggeri, Svalbard Bivrost Distilleri and Svalbard Gartneri. Recently, he has established Svalbard Brewery Import & Export GmbH in Hamburg, Germany. Robert lives in a cabin in Bjørndalen, Svalbard and in Tromsø.