First Impressions...

An art-based initiative for academic cohesion

Abstract

"First Impressions…" is a creative photovoice competition designed for exchange students at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. Held annually since 2024 during the Autumn semester, the initiative is open to first-semester exchange students, who are invited to submit a single original photograph taken with their mobile phone or hand-drawn sketch that captures a positive impression of their experience. The initiative goes beyond a simple collection of images because it combines visual and narrative elements to transform personal experiences into creative expressions that can be studied. The results can inform future development of the university as a cultural and international institution. 

Submissions are categorized into themes such as Nature, City & Coast, Interactions, Details, Peace, Sketches, and Other (free theme). A diverse jury (diverse in terms of gender, age, background, and academic discipline) evaluates the entries based on adherence to the theme, quality, uniqueness, and relevance. To encourage participation and enhance its visibility within the university, the initiative has been structured as a competition, with awards announced during the Polar Night Celebration – an intercultural event for new employees in Tromsø. Participants are informed from the outset that their submissions will be made available in an open-access repository ensuring accessibility for future research and public engagement. 

The initiative is grounded in Experiential Learning Theory (Kolb et al., 2014). By encouraging exchange students to document their first impressions of Northern Norway through photography and text (a title and a short justification of up to 30 words), the project invites into active observation and reflection. The exhibition provides further a platform for participants to share their experiences and learn from others (Nada & Legutko, 2022). As a form of situated learning (Lave & Wenger, 1991), this practice is embedded within social and cultural contexts, facilitating integration and participation in the academic and local community (Teichler, 2017). 

Launched in 2024, the initiative has successfully engaged participants, fostered creativity, and promoted adherence to the principles of photographic ethics and open access. Additionally, it has facilitated cultural exchange across different units (international cooperation office, university chaplaincy and the Centre for Arctic Humanities) as well as UiT’s four regional campuses. Owing to their geographical distance and relatively recent unification, they have benefited from this opportunity to strengthen connections and reduce academic isolation.