The Arctic World Archive (AWA) began in 2017 as a bold initiative by Norwegian technology
company Piql — created to preserve humanity’s most valuable data in the Arctic, using
ultra-durable, future-proof film stored deep inside a repurposed Svalbard mine.
What started as a project has become a global symbol of trust and long-term preservation,
recognized for safeguarding digital cultural heritage, art, history, literature, research,
and documentation of global significance.
In 2025, AWA became an independent, non-profit foundation, securing this mission under a
neutral and non-commercial structure dedicated to the public good.
Our mission is to preserve humanity’s knowledge and creativity - building peace, trust, and
inspiration for generations to come. To achieve this, we collect and safeguard the world’s
legacy, giving it lasting life through authenticity, neutrality, and collaboration. We
protect information from digital decay and physical threats, ensuring it remains secure,
sustainable, and accessible far into the future.
The Foundation
AWA is a Norwegian self-owned, non-profit foundation, established to protect data into
perpetuity. Guided by a global advisory board and ambassador network, AWA is building an
endowment to ensure that preservation and access remain possible for all.
Our Mandate
The Arctic World Archive Foundation has a clear and enduring mandate:
- Preserve and protect the world's digital heritage for all future generations.
- Ensure perpetual access to authentic data in a secure and neutral archive.
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Support those without means to preserve their valuable data - such as cultural
institutions, indigenous communities, and civil society organizations.
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Maintain environmental and financial sustainability while contributing to global value
creation and social benefit.
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Protect AWA's independence - ensuring it can never be taken over by commercial interests
except under extraordinary circumstances.
Collaboration
We collaborate with those who share our commitment to truth, knowledge, and human dignity:
- Democracy advocates - safeguarding free expression and open societies.
- Scientists & researchers - preserving knowledge for future generations.
- Champions of truth - committed to accuracy and transparency.
- Guardians of history - honoring cultural heritage and collective memory.
- Organizations of respect - valuing human dignity and shared responsibility.
Together, we ensure that the memory of our civilization - its knowledge, creativity, and
truth - endures safely beneath the Arctic ice, preserved for all humankind.
