Call for Applications from Nordic and Baltic artists

Skaftfell is pleased to announce that we are able to offer three 2-month residency grants in 2021, courtesy of the Nordic Baltic Mobility Programme.

These grants are available for artists from Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and Åland. Artists already based in Iceland are not eligible, as the program intends to foster the mobility of artists between the Nordic and Baltic countries.

Application deadline: August 15, 2020

 

The residency grant includes (per artist or artistic collaboration):

  • full residency fee for two months (including self-catering accommodation, work space, WiFi, support from Skaftfell staff)
  • travel grant of up to 800 EUR
  • per diem of 840 EUR per month (total 1680 EUR)
  • material and project costs up to 350 EUR

The duration of the residency is 2 months. Grant recipients must be able to commit to the full length of the residency period. Available dates are:

  • Winter: January 8 to March 8, 2021
  • Spring: April 1 to May 31, 2021
  • Autumn: September 1 to October 30, 2021

 

About the Skaftfell residency program:

Skaftfell Center for Visual Art is located in Seyðisfjörður, a small town of around 700 inhabitants in Iceland’s eastfjords, which is surrounded by a stunning chain of mountains. Despite its small size, Seyðisfjörður offers a rich and diverse cultural life, and has a long history of welcoming visiting artists

The Skaftfell residencies offer quiet time and space for independent research, reflection, and experimentation. Artists are encouraged to use their stay for in-depth inquiries into their work processes and conceptual interests, to use the magnificent nature of the fjord as a source of energy and inspiration, to work at the interface of art and life, to share thoughts with other artists, and to embrace the idea of a “slow residency” that is embedded in a small but vibrant rural community. The program is best suited to visual artists, artists with interdisciplinary practices, curators and art writers.

Skaftfell’s self-directed residency program hosts up to 3 artists simultaneously throughout the year. Apart from developing their research, artists-in-residence have the opportunity to present their work in an open studio or pop-up exhibition if they wish, to give an artist talk or a workshop, and to participate in the art center’s education program for school children following consultation with Skaftfell’s education manager. They will be introduced to the community in Seyðisfjörður and receive support from Skaftfell’s staff through general and project specific advice in weekly meetings, PR and networking support, and lending tools and equipment, all within capacity.

Accommodation and working spaces: Artists-in-residence stay in three historical houses in the town, all within short walking distance to Skaftfell and to each other. The houses are set up as private self-catering accommodation, each including 2 bedrooms, a combined living and working space, bathroom and kitchen, work tables, washing machine, and WiFi. Partners/kids are welcome and stay for free.

How to apply

Please submit your application with the required attachments, using our online application form (click on the link below). The application deadline is August 15, 2020.

APPLICATION FORM

Required attachments to the online form:

  • Statement of intent for your residency at Skaftfell;
  • Portfolio of up to 15 images, showing previous projects/works that are especially relevant to your proposal and aims for the residency;
  • CV/resume.

Evaluation: The applications will be reviewed by an external panel of art professionals, appointed by Skaftfell. Only complete applications will be reviewed.

The main evaluation criteria are the originality and artistic quality of the applicant’s practice and working proposal. Furthermore, the panel will take into account:

  • Evidence that the applicant is at a critical juncture in his/her development as an artist that will be advanced by the residency.
  • Evidence that the applicant’s research or working proposal is especially relevant for a residency at Skaftfell.
  • Practical feasibility of the working proposal within Skaftfell’s local context.
  • Evidence of the applicant’s ability to work independently and collaboratively on a professional level.

Results will be announced by the end of September 2020.

For more information please contact [email protected].