The theme for SAAR 2026 is context. The schedule will be inspired by earlier SAAR events, but the program will also be influenced by the site and the surroudings.
Feel free to share your wishes or suggest program sessions: linda.lien@hkdir.no.You should also be aware that the program might be slightly edited and refined during the event, and that we will leave open slots to be filled during the week. The arriving and departure time will not change (unless we all agree).
SAAR 2026 provides a supportive peer-learning environment where doctoral candidates share their ongoing artistic research and receive feedback from peers and experienced tutors. Besides collegial sharing of ongoing research, the aim is to reflect on the institutional differences and diversity of artistic research in the Nordic countries.
Willingness to share and engage in collegial dialogues is a key prerequisite for participating in SAAR. We will work in small groups facilitated by the supervisors/tutors. The programme will also include collective sessions, excursions and moments of socializing, as well as focus conversations
Introduction marathon
Please be prepared to share your project or research interest in a short 5-minute plenary session (including setup time). The intention is to spark curiosity and give a glimpse into the variety of topics among both doctoral candidates and supervisors. You don’t need to explain your project in full—feel free to offer a sense of it, show its identity, or simply share your interest. You may use images, sound, or a participatory element. These sessions will serve as a starting point for deeper group discussions in the following days.
Focused conversations
The doctoral candidates will have the possibility to sign up for a series of 45-minute talks with a tutor or one or two peers. The focus conversations can take the form of an individual tutoring session, a thematically delimited discussion, or an informal conversation with a colleague or two.
Sharing sessions
Sharing sessions are based on the idea that sharing research methods, processes, and outcomes is part of ethical and professional responsibility. Each session includes:
- A 20-minute presentation by one participant in a format of their choice
- A 30-minute collegial discussion
- A 10-minute reflection on the sharing method and its potential for development
Your presentation should make it possible for the others to discuss the context of your project. Tutors moderate the sessions. Each participant presents once during the week, supported by another participant who takes notes. Creative formats beyond traditional PowerPoint are encouraged.
Optional morning sessions
Morning sessions are optional and open for anyone to host. If you'd like to offer one, please announce it the day before on the info board in the main meeting room. The session can be a performance, ritual, exhibition, physical activity, or something else. The aim is to spend time together and to create a small space to reflect on the day ahead or prepare for the day to come Think of it as a gift—time to slow down and open the senses. You may share a method or practice (bodily exercise, score, feedback method…). Include all practical details in your announcement (time, place, sign-up, equipment). Sessions should last no more than 30 minutes—shorter is fine.
Optional evening sessions
Each day will end with a shared meal (dinner). On some evenings some of the tutors - or doctoral candidates - may offer informal thematical sessions. The topic of each evening session will be announced on the previous day. Possible reading materials will be distributed per email.
Myrdal, the Flåm Railway, and Rallarvegen
From Voss you can take the train to Myrdal, and from Myrdal you have access to the short, but steep Flåm Railway and Rallarvegen (the Navvies road).
Photo: Bordalsjelet (Geir Strøm)
Bordalsgjelet
Bordalsgjelet is a spectacular natural attraction within walking distance of Voss center: "The deep and dramatic Bordalsgjelet is designed for the public with an information board, vantage point, and benches. (...) . Here you get a good view of the fantastic potholes that ice and the river have shaped over the millennium, but remember, for your safety: stick to the marked paths!"
The day trip cabin
The day trip cabin in Voss is situated on Klepp (600 meters above sea level) on the north side of lake Vangsvatnet. The day trip cabin is free for everyone, all year round. Inside the cabin, you can eat your packed lunch, warm up by the fireplace, and enjoy books from the cabin's library. You may start the walk from Voss folkehøgskule.
Cultural walk
Walk through the center of Voss. Follow Visist Voss´recommended route and play the videos when you arrive at selected statues - this is a way to meet some of the historical figures of Voss.
Voss Folk Museum
Voss Folk Museum is located with panoramic views of Voss. It consists, amongs others, of Mølstertunet farm cluster: The museum also hosts differenjt exhibition, like A View at Voss.
Bergslitræet in Prestegardsmoen
Bergslitræet is a small museum in Voss about the painter Knud Bergslien and the sculptor Brynjulf Bergslien (his brother). They were influential artists in national romanticism, and they were born and raised in Voss.
Voss Gondol
Voss Gondol takes you from the train station to Mount Hanguren (820 meters above sea level). Mount Hanguren is a good starting point for hiking in the mountains. Here you’ll find marked trails, like Hanguren Panorama; an easy walk that is suitable for all ages and levels. The trail is around 800 meter and offers panoramic view of Voss’ mountains, lakes and part of the town centre.