Artist talk and community discussion on the impact of tourism in Seydisfjördur.
As Iceland continues to experience the fastest growing rate of foreign tourism in the world, it is becoming crucial to address the impact of foreign visitors on Icelandic culture. Tourism can be seen as a means to preserve culture, provide economic development and improve the life of a community. But what is at stake? How can a small town like Seydisfjördur continue to host a large number of tourists and maintain the appeal of an authentic Icelandic town?
On August 9th, Skaftfell residency artist Jessica Auer will share her visual research on the impact of tourism at other global sites and discuss how the identities of these places have been altered. The presentation will include an open discussion with the community of Seydisfjördur to address how Seydisfjordur may continue to grow its tourism industry while respecting the social and cultural way of life of the community.
Jessica Auer is a Canadian photographer and visual artist. Her work is broadly concerned with the study of landscapes as cultural sites, focusing on themes that connect history, place, journey and cultural experience. She received anMFA in Studio Arts from Concordia University in 2007 and has since exhibited across Canada and abroad. An avid wanderer, she has participated in numerous international artist residencies including the Banff Centre in Alberta, The Brucebo Travel Residency based in Gotland, Sweden, The Chilkoot Trail AIR in Alaska and the Yukon Territory and the Baer Art Center in Hofdaströnd, Iceland. While at home, Jessica teaches photography at Concordia University in Montreal.
