A Lighthouse in the North. Pikene på Broen and the role of contemporary art in tourism development in Kirkenes

Abstract

Up until today, the arctic tourism industry has prioritized the development of nature-based activities. Cultural tourism has been promoted as well, but only little attention has been paid to the development of contemporary art attractions. In April 2017, a case study centered around the company Pikene på Broen was conducted in Kirkenes. It was based on a qualitative methodological approach. This thesis investigates the role and potential of contemporary art in Arctic tourism through the activities of the art-production company Pikene på Broen. The thesis also describes how employees at Pikene på Broen reflected on the nature of Pikene`s role in the tourism context in Kirkenes.