Job description

Doctoral Fellow in Russian Cultural Studies, "25 years of Norwegian-Russian cultural cooperation in the Barents region: visions, approaches, challenges and ripple effects". The Barents cooperation recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Cultural exchange has been central to the Norwegian-Russian approach and cooperation during this period. Regions demonstrates numerous examples of completed projects. Hundreds of actors on both sides of the border, professionals and amateurs, have over the years invested time, effort and resources in the work. Nevertheless, the practical significance of cultural co-operation in and beyond the Barents region is constantly questioned. This research will examine the relationship between political visions, initiatives and expectations for Norwegian-Russian cultural cooperation in the Barents region on the one hand and concrete Norwegian and Russian contributions on the other. The purpose is to achieve a better understanding of the real processes initiated by the co-operation and their assumed and unforeseen effects on Norwegian-Russian relations within and beyond the Barents region.

The project will provide new knowledge about the Norwegian-Russian cultural cooperation in the Barents region, focus on influential projects, map progress as well as setbacks and assess the potential significance of the events locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.