THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED.

Skaftfell is inviting applications from individual artists and artistic collaborators to participate in its residency program in 2023. 

Application deadline: September 1, 2022

About the program: Skaftfell Center for Visual Art is located in Seyðisfjörður, a small town of around 650 inhabitants in Iceland’s eastfjords 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. Skaftfell is the regional visual art center for East Iceland, and is running a gallery as well as an art education program and the residency program.

The Skaftfell residencies are self-directed. They 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 enjoy the magnificent nature of the fjord as a source of energy and inspiration, 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, printmakers, artists with interdisciplinary practices, curators and art writers. The residency program hosts up to 4 artists simultaneously.

Apart from developing their research, artists in residence have the opportunity to present their work in an open studio 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 general and project specific advice and support from Skaftfell’s staff.

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 or shared self-catering accommodation, each including 2 bedrooms, a combined living and working space, bathroom and kitchen, work tables, washing machine, and WiFi. All our houses are strictly non-smoking.

Duration: 1-3 months. Residencies start on the first working day of a month and end on the last working day of a month. We encourage artists to stay for 2 months or longer, in order to get deeper into the place and their practice here. The residency program is closed in July and December.

Costs for the artist: Residency fee, travel costs, project expenses, and meals are paid by the artist. The residency fee covers self-catering accommodation and workspace, as well as general and project specific support from Skaftfell’s staff. The fee varies according to the chosen type of residency.

• Private residency: 120,000 ISK per month. Apartment with 2 bedrooms and 25m2 living/working space. For single use by the artist. Partners and children are welcome and stay for free.
• Shared residency: 85,000 ISK per month per person. Private bedroom in a shared apartment with 2 bedrooms and shared working/living space (25 m2), shared kitchen and bathroom. For use by two individual artists with separate projects.
• Group residency: 150,000 ISK per month. Apartment with 2 bedrooms and 25m2 living/working space (with extra bed). For use by 2-3 collaborating artists, working on the same project.
• Research residency: 100,000 ISK per month. Small house with 1 bedroom (double bed) and sleeping sofa, combined living/working space (20m2). For single use by the artist. Partners and children are welcome and stay for free. 

Funding: Unfortunately, we cannot offer funded residencies at this point. The residency fee covers the rent and running costs of our residency houses and a small administration fee. We are always trying to keep the fees as low as possible. A list of funding opportunities available in various countries can be found here: https://www.transartists.org/en/funding-ta

How to apply

The application deadline is September 1, 2022. Results will be announced by the beginning of October.

Please submit your application using our online application form (click on the link below):

APPLICATION FORM 

Required attachments:

• Statement of intent for your residency at Skaftfell;
• Portfolio of up to 10 images, showing selected projects/works that are especially relevant to your proposal and aims for the residency;
• CV/resume.

Evaluation: The applications will be reviewed by a panel of art professionals, appointed by Skaftfell. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The evaluation criteria are:

• The originality and artistic quality of the applicant’s practice and working proposal.
• Evidence that the applicant is at a critical juncture in his/her development as an artist that will be advanced by the residency.
• 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.

Successful applicants will be offered a place on the program. Upon acceptance of the place, a reservation fee is required in advance to reserve the residency slot. The reservation fee is not refundable in case of cancelation, unless Skaftfell itself has to cancel the residency.

For more information please contact residency@archive.skaftfell.is.