Icelandic Art Center

Icelandic Art Center

Biennale Arte 2022

The Capital Area

SÍM Residency – Korpúlfsstaðir

Thorsvegur 1, 112 Reykjavík

SÍM Residency is an international residency for visual artists located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is run by SÍM – Samband íslenskra myndlistarmanna or The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists. The SIM Residency seeks to promote an environment of reflection, research, study and play by providing artists with a working environment that supports the artistic process.

SIM offers two different residency locations in the Reykjavik area – Seljavegur in downtown Reykjavik and Korpúlfsstaðir set in an idyllic location on the edge of town. The different settings allow us to cater to each artist’s requirements, giving them the opportunity to choose their location, regarding their needs and projects.

Duration: 1 - 3 months.

Number of Residents: Korpúlfsstaðir - 7.

Guest friendly: 1 guest per artist for maximum two weeks.

Studio type: 5 bedroom/studios, 2 rooms with separate studios. A shared studio space is also available.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Two projectors, speakers, headphones, screens and all essential equipment to install artworks at the gallery.

Disciplines: All mediums of visual arts (painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, drawing, illustration, mixed techniques, sound art, installations, comic strips, performance, textile arts or any other form of related expression). Curators and art writers for research-based projects also welcome. 
Residency Fee: Yes
Application: Open calls twice a year. January for residency period July - December. July for residency period January - June.
Email: residency@sim.is

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The Capital Area

SÍM Residency – Seljavegur

Seljavegur 32, 101 Reykjavík

SÍM Residency is an international residency for visual artists located in Reykjavík, Iceland. It is run by SÍM – Samband íslenskra myndlistarmanna or The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists. The SIM Residency seeks to promote an environment of reflection, research, study and play by providing artists with a working environment that supports the artistic process.

SIM offers two different residency locations in the Reykjavik area – Seljavegur in downtown Reykjavik and Korpúlfsstaðir set in an idyllic location on the edge of town. The different settings allow us to cater to each artist’s requirements, giving them the opportunity to choose their location, regarding their needs and projects.

Duration: 1 - 3 months.

Number of Residents: 11.

Guest friendly: 1 guest per artist for maximum two weeks.

Studio type: Seljavegur - 9 bedroom/studios, 1 single and 1 double room with separate studios.  A shared studio space is available for bigger projects.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Two projectors, speakers, headphones, screens and all essential equipment to install artworks at the gallery.

Disciplines: All mediums of visual arts (painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, drawing, illustration, mixed techniques, sound art, installations, comic strips, performance, textile arts or any other form of related expression). Curators and art writers for research-based projects also welcome. 

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Open calls twice a year. January for residency period July - December. July for residency period January - June.

Email: residency@sim.is

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North

The Old School

Skólagata, 630 Hrísey

The Old School is a charming sustainable and non-profitable residency on a peaceful island named Hrísey by the north coast of Iceland, a short distance from the arctic circle and surrounded with a breathtaking view of the mountains on the coast of Eyjafjörður. The main objective of the residency is to provide an opportunity for international exchange, where professional artists in all media including writers and performing artists are given the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas and possibly cooperate in a peaceful environment.

Duration: 1 - 6 months

Number of Residents: 1 - 4

Guest friendly: Yes with a guest fee.

Studio type: Shared studio with 3 workspaces. Fourth room with no workspace.

Work facilities / Equipment: A studio with easels, running water and bits and pieces.

Disciplines: All types of artists.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round.

Email: nordanbal@nordanbal.is

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North

Gil Artist Residency

Kaupvangsstraeti 23, Akureyri

The Gil Artist Residency is a place for artistic research, production, meetings and exhibitions, founded in 1991 by the Gilfélag Society. We aim to stimulate creativity through interaction with the local environment, artists and cultural institutions, and seek to foster relations between participants and the local community.

The location of the residency is very central, in the heart of Akureyri located on the Art Street where you can also find the Akureyri Art Museum, galleries, the thermal swimming pool, restaurants and bars. The facilities, like most of the buildings in the Art Street, used to belong to the old dairy factories.  When the dairy factories were moved to a better location outside of town, artists and interested people founded the Gil Society with the aim of building up the Art Street as you find it today.

Duration: 1 month

Number of Residents: 1 - 2

Guest friendly: Yes

Studio type: Apartment with studio for 1 or 2 people.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Basic studio equipment. Presentation / Exhibition at the end of the residency at a fully equipped art gallery.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Open call

Email: studio.akureyri@gmail.com

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North

Listak

Kaupvangsstræti 12, 600 Akureyri

Akureyri Art Museum is situated in the town center, in Listagil (Art Street). It aims to promote visual arts and culture in the local community as well as in a wider global context. The residency hosts 1-3 artists with possible access to an exhibition space across the street from the museum.

Duration: Weekly fee

Number of Residents: 3

Guest friendly: One guest per studio for an extra fee.

Studio type: 2 private studios and 1 combined studio-sleeping space.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round.

Email: listak@listak.is

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North

Ós Textile Residency

Kvennaskólinn, Árbraut 31, 540 Blönduós

Ós Textile Residency seeks to promote an atmosphere of creativity, experimentation and reflection. The residency is structured to enable artists to work with focus and no limits in time and welcomes a variety of techniques and methods within textiles. The residency is located in a historic building and former Women’s College in Blönduós known as Kvennaskólinn, with the Textile Museum within walking distance.

Duration: 1 - 3 months.

Number of Residents: 8 - 10

Studio type: Shared. Main studio, Loom studio, Dye studio and Textile lab.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Main Studio - 3x sewing machines (model Husquarna / Viking), 2x flat iron / ironing board accessible in the main studio, 2x knitting machines (model Brother KH 830), 2x spinning wheels.

Loom Studio - 10 looms: 80, 120, 130 and 140cm. 4, 6 or 8 shaft Scandinavian (Icelandic) countermarch looms. One vertical tapestry loom.

Dye Studio - 4x electric stove burners, microwave, kitchen scales, sink, drying racks and various jars, pots, buckets and stirring utensils

Textile Lab - Laser cutter, laser printer, felt loom, digital embroidery machine, digital knitting machine (coming soon), and two digital looms (TC2). Access to the textile lab and its facilities is not included in residency fee and must be booked separately.

Disciplines: Artists and scholars working inside the textile field.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round.

Email: residency@textilecenter.is

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Westfjords

ArtsIceland

Aðalstræti 22, 400 Ísafjörður

ArtsIceland in collaboration with Outvert Art Space offers artists and other art professionals a space to live and work for four to twelve weeks in the Westfjords of Iceland. ArtsIceland encourages and facilitates an open-ended approach to the artistic process by seeking opportunities to help artists create works which have significant cultural impact.

Duration: 4 - 12 weeks.

Number of Residents: 2 (5 during May - Oct).

Studio type: 2 private studios year-round. Shared studio for 3 extra artists from May - October.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Grand piano

Disciplines: Visual artists, writers, designers, filmmakers, musicians and others who may profit from the environment/spaces on offer.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round and open calls.

Email: artsiceland@kolsalt.is

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North

Baer Art Center

Höfdaströnd, 566 Hofsós

Baer Art Center is part of a beautiful seaside horse farm in Northwestern Iceland which hosts short residency sessions, thematic workshops and art classes for deeply committed visual artists, architects and designers.

The art center’s objective is to bring together talented individuals from all over the world in order to create a dynamic visual conversation between them, share with them the natural environment and dramatic setting of Baer, and to leave a deep influence of Icelandic nature.

Duration: Residency sessions 2 weeks / workshops 1 week.

Number of Residents: 5 during residency sessions / 8 during workshops (two artists per studio)

Guest friendly: Spouses/partners can be accommodated towards the end of a residency session after an approval from the residency director.

Studio type: 5 private 60m2 studio spaces, with private bedroom and bathroom.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Ceramics/clay workshop, electric kiln, photo printers, exhibition space.

Disciplines: Visual artists, architects and designers.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Announced at the beginning of each year and open calls.

Email: baer@baer.is

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North

Herhúsið

Norðurgata 7b, 580 Siglufjörður

Herhús in Siglufjördur was built in 1914, and renovated as an artist-in-residence home and workshop. Located in the centre of town next to all services, the artist’s residence is open to both Icelandic and foreign artists. Herhúsið is dedicated to artists of all media and to the creation of contemporary art. Herhúsið provides a unique workshop, spacious and bright for one artist at a time.

Duration: 1 - 3 months

Number of Residents: 1

Guest friendly: Yes

Studio type: 2-level house with a 70 square meter (750 sq ft) workshop on the main floor and a bright, furnished studio apartment in the upstairs loft.

Work Facilities / Equipment: The workshop has 4 metre (10 ft) ceilings, hardwood floors, an industrial sink, an easel, 3 working tables and a sofa.

Disciplines: Visual arts, writing, poetry, music and other artistic endeavours.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Deadline for the summer months (June-August) is the 1st of February. Year-round application for other months.

Email: herhusid@herhusid.com

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North

NES Artist Residency

Fjörubraut 8, Skagaströnd

NES is a process-oriented residency that strives to cultivate an environment where artists can craft their experience as they wish; whether that may be through conceptual development, research, or intervention and experimentation, artists have the utmost freedom while in residence at NES. The residency’s structure is therefore left open in order to cater to individuality and spontaneity. We work to provide a safe space where all art forms, intellectual and creative pursuits, methods of artistic investigation, and aesthetic inquiry are accepted, nurtured, and celebrated.

As a remote residency located in a unique, stunning, and challenging environment, NES encourages artists to draw inspiration from place and take advantage of the solitude (and presence), our surrounding environment provides. NES allows all artists to enter into an immersive space so that the artistic process can develop and thrive.

Duration: 1 month minimum, 2 months or more recommended. Group or short stay residencies of 2 - 4 weeks.

Number of Residents: 9 - 14

Guest friendly: Yes. Artists with families can also be accommodated.

Studio type: One shared studio for 10-12 artists. One private studio for dancers, choreographers, performers. Research library for writers-in-residence. Rehearsal space and instruments available for musicians at the town’s music school.

Work Facilities / Equipment: 600 mm across x 675 mm deep electric ceramics kiln, sewing machine, projector and space for projecting, small selection of tools are available including a couple of easels, drills, saws, a jigsaw and basic tools like hammers, pliers and screwdrivers.

Disciplines: All mediums. Special facilities are available for writers, musicians, and dancers.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round.

Email: nes@neslist.is

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West

The Freezer

Hafnargata 16, 360 Rif

The Freezers’ artist residency programme offers theatre makers, performance artists, dancers and musicians the opportunity to develop and work on their art in a secluded and peaceful environment, right opposite the magnificent Snæfellsjökull glacier which has been a source of inspiration for artists all over the world for centuries. 

The Freezer’s premises are situated in a renovated fish factory which has been turned into a culture centre and hostel, where the hostel operates as a sort of an engine for creating art and culture, for locals and travellers in the area.

Duration: 1 - 3 months

Number of Residents: 4

Studio type: Two studios: A smaller 100m2 elongated space and a larger 240m2 space.

Work Facilities / Equipment: All basic technical equipment required for rehearsals and performance making.

Disciplines: Theatre makers, performance artists, dancers and musicians

Residency Fee: Exchange system - artists are offered free accommodation, workspaces and facilities and in turn the artists help out with the daily cleaning of The Freezer for 2-3 hours of work per day, depending on the time of year and number of artists.

Application: Year-round and open calls.

Email: info@thefreezerhostel.com

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The Capital Area

Hafnarborg Artist Residency

Strandgata 34, 220 Hafnarfjörður

Hafnarborg operates an Artist-in-Residence programme, with an apartment and studio space on the top floor of the museum’s building at Strandgata 34, in the centre of Hafnarfjörður. The program welcomes foreign artists of various disciplines.

Hafnarborg – the Hafnarfjörður Centre of Culture and Fine Art was founded in 1983, becoming the home of the town’s art collection. The mission of Hafnarborg is to maintain dynamic and ambitious cultural functions, thereby creating grounds for diverse cultural life in the town. 

Duration: 1 month

Number of Residents: 1

Studio type: Apartment with studio

Disciplines: Visual Arts

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round. Residency applications temporarily suspended due to Covid.

Email: hafnarborg@hafnarfjordur.is

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West

Hvítahús

Krossavik, 360 Hellissandur

Hvítahús is a residency program for artists and an art gallery. It’s located just next to the Snæfellsnesþjóðgarður National Park. We provide you with a home away from home, without the distractions of everyday life. The house is surrounded by astonishing landscapes, special sea biosphere and bird life, giving the artists the perfect opportunity for inspiration. Hvítahús was originally an ice storage (íshús), and is now the only remaining building from the old Krossavik harbour. The recently renovated Hvitahús preserves its original characteristics and structure.

Duration: 1- 2 Months

Number of Residents: 1 - 2

Studio type: One 30m2 double-height studio split into two sections

Work Facilities: Studio, exhibition hall, gallery facilities.

Disciplines: Drawing & Painting, Graphic Design, Film, Jewellery, Curating/Research, Media Art, Literature, Multimedia, Music & Sound Art, Photography.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round

Email: info@hvitahus.is

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South

Gullkistan

Dalbraut 1, 840 Laugarvatn

The Gullkistan residency is located in a quiet village by the Laugarvatn Lake with a view of the Hekla volcano. 

The main objective of Gullkistan is to provide a home and workspace for creative people of all professions in an international community in the sublime surroundings of south Iceland where they can work on their ideas and become a part of Icelandic culture locally and in a wider spectrum as each one of them prefers. 

Gullkistan seeks to promote an environment where people are surrounded with nature, and where residents have the possibility to be a part of that society by having exhibitions and to take the opportunities given to take part in local community activities on different occasions.

Duration: Minimum 1 month

Number of Residents: 6 - 10

Guest friendly: Family Friendly. Separate housing when artists bring their families can sometimes be arranged.

Studio type: Shared Studio

Work Facilities / Equipment: Work Desk and wifi. Shared tools. Exhibition space.

Disciplines: Professionally established artists of all fields and academics of all professions.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round and open calls.

Email: gullkistan@gullkistan.is

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East

Heima

Austurvegur 15, 710 Seyðisfjörður

Heima Art Residency is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2013. It was initiated to provide a space where emerging artists across a variety of disciplines can live and work in close proximity, sharing practises and ideas.

The space is a 350 square meters living and studio space. It’s located in Seyðisfjörður, East Iceland, a thriving port that is home to 650 people and yet manages to support a local art school, an art centre, a theatre, a museum, restaurants/bars, two artist residencies and the Dieter Roth Academy.

Duration: 50 or 80 days

Number of Residents: 6

Studio type: Shared living and studio space.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Basic equipment: a projector, basic power tools, a small mixer, a set of genelec monitor speakers, etc.

Disciplines: Emerging and established artists working with a wide range of disciplines including visual art, film, text work, performance, sound and curating.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Applications accepted twice a year.

Email: info@h-e-i-m-a.com

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West

Artak365

Location: Grundargata 26, Grundarfjörður

The aim is to stimulate creativity through interaction with the local environment and to foster relations between participants and the local community. We work in cooperation with the local schools and artists, giving our artists the opportunity to breathe in the spectacular view and let Icelandic nature be an inspiration for their art. 

With the open fjord at your front step, big stunning mountains, and the charm of a small fishing village. Artak350 Residency is a place for artistic research, art production, meetings, workshops, art courses and exhibitions, an opportunity to meet strangers and make friends. 

Duration: 1 to 2 months

Number of Residents: 1 or 2 (artist duo or partner)

Guest friendly: Partner

Studio type: Apartment with studio space

Work Facilities/ Equipment: Basic tools. Gallery space in Reykjavík at the beginning/end of stay.

Disciplines: This residency is for visual artists from all around the world who want to be inspired by Icelandic nature and culture, work on their art and develop their projects.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round and open calls.

Email: artak350res@gmail.com

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East

Skaftfell

Austurvegur 42, 710 Seyðisfjörður

The residency program at Skaftfell creates an environment for inspiration, focus, and experimentation. It allows artists to experience life and work in a unique community where creativity is applied to the everyday and offers conditions that enrich the dialogue between art and life. 

Skaftfell is far from the busy centers of contemporary art, and offers a refuge, a hiding place, and a thinking space for artists and other creative practitioners. 

We encourage artists in residence to embrace the idea of a slow residency, and to allow themselves time for contemplation, preparing the ground for a shift in their practices.

Duration: 1 to 3 month self- directed residency, 3 week intensive themed residency.

Number of Residents: 3 to 7 artists

Guest friendly: Partners and Children

Studio type: 2 apartments with 2 bedrooms and combined studio/living space, 1 house with 1 bedroom and combined studio/living space.

Work Facilities / Equipment: Access to basic tools and equipment. For the self directed residency: Worktable, internet, general support from staff. For the thematic residency: group workshops, presentations, professional advice and support.

Disciplines: The program is suited to visual artists, artists with interdisciplinary practices, curators and art writers.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Open call once a year.

Email: residency@skaftfell.is

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East

Fish Factory

Bankastræti 1, 755 Stöðvarfjörður

The Creative Centre is an ongoing collaborative and community project and our actions and aims are based on sustainable principles and alternative methods. The purpose of the program is to provide emerging and established artists, creatives, designers and progressive thinkers a port for free expression and a place to meet with other creative people in a small collaborative community.

Duration: From 1 - 6 months

Number of Residents: 9 artists

Guest friendly: Partner or guest, maximum 5 nights

Studio type: A shared studio for 8 artists, one private studio.

Work Facilities /Equipment: Wood Workshop, Metal Workshop, Textile (sewing machine), Print workshop (press for lino and wood), Ceramics Workshop (wheels and low temperature 1020°C kiln), Concert Hall, Recording Studio (not included in residency fees).

Disciplines: Multi-disciplinary and open for most creative directions: Visual Art, New Media, Printmaking, Ceramic, Sculpture, Dance, Performing Arts, Land Art, Textile Art, Music, Literature, Crafts, Sustainable Design, Engineering & Photography.

Residency Fee: Yes

Application: Year-round application and open calls

Email: info@inhere.is

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Icelandic Art Center
Gimli, Lækjargata 3,
101 Reykjavík
+354 562 7262
info@icelandicartcenter.is