Open call for guest-researchers 2025 – ArkDes collection

ArkDes is looking for two guest researchers to conduct research in ArkDes’ collections.

ArkDes’ research activities aim to increase knowledge on our subject areas and to identify new applications of existing knowledge. ArkDes conducts two forms of research:

• Internally, building up knowledge and research around the collections.
•  Practice-based research, where third parties are commissioned to conduct research.

We are now looking for two visiting researchers who can participate in the development of research around ArkDes’ collections by contributing research-based perspectives and proposals for object selection for future versions of the ArkDes Collection exhibition.

The ArkDes Collection exhibition

The exhibition ArkDes Collection aims to show the breadth of the museum’s collections by displaying original material. Each year the content is rotated, both for preservation reasons and in order to invite in broader perspectives and narratives.

The guest researcher assignment

As part of the work for upcoming rotations, ArkDes is announcing two places for visiting researchers. They will have the opportunity to deep-dive into some of the museum’s four million objects, analyse and question the material, and explore new ways of looking at the cultural heritage that can be found in the museum’s collections. During their stay, the visiting researchers will also participate in the development of research conducted at ArkDes.
We are particularly interested in project descriptions that touch upon two of ArkDes’ research directions:

In the North

The Arctic areas of Norway, Sweden, and Finland are undergoing major changes as a result of the “green transition,” with investments in fossil-free steel, battery production, green energy, and large infrastructure projects. Industrial development brings opportunities but also raises questions about who has the right to resources, how the existing cultural environment is affected, and how respect is shown to culture and traditions.

Living Together

How do we live and reside together? Living Together studies how the physical components of a society—houses, squares, streets, neighborhoods, and the spaces in between—relate to one another. We analyse the role of design and architecture in defining common and opposing interests in public and private spaces. How is dialogue created between conflicting ideas, interests, and needs?

Guest researchers are free to choose which parts of ArkDes’ collection they are interested in delving into.

The application is closed

Read more about the open call in the PDF below.