This call is now closed
Skaftfell is inviting applications from individual artists and artistic collaborators to participate in the self-directed residency program in 2020.
Application deadline: September 5, 2019
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 Skaftfell’s surroundings as a source of energy and inspiration, to work at the interface of art and life, to share thoughts with other residency 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.
Program outline
Skaftfell’s self-directed residency program hosts 3-5 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 support from Skaftfell’s staff through general and project specific advice in weekly meetings, PR and networking support, and lending tools and equipment, within capacity.
Duration
1-3 months within the winter, spring, or autumn term. 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.
- Winter Term: January 2 to April 30, 2020
- Spring Term: May 2 to June 30, 2020
- Autumn Term: August 3 to October 30, 2020
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.
Costs for the artist
Residency fee, travel costs, project expenses, and meals will be paid by the artist. The residency fee covers self-catering accommodation with combined living/working space, as well as general and project specific support from Skaftfell staff. The fee varies according to the chosen type of residency:
- Private residency: 105,000 ISK per month. Apartment with 2 bedrooms, 25m2 living/working space. For single use by the artist. Partners and children are welcome and stay for free.
- Group/Duo residency: 120,000 ISK per month. Apartment with 2 bedrooms and extra bed, 25m2 living/working space, for use by 2-3 collaborating artists (i.e. artists working on the same project).
- Shared residency: 75,000 ISK per month per person. Private bedroom in a shared apartment with 2 bedrooms and shared working space (25 m2), shared kitchen and bathroom. For use by two individual artists.
- Research residency: 90,000 ISK per month. Small house with 1 bedroom and a sleeping loft, combined living/working space (15m2). For single use by the artist. Partners 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 September 5, 2019.
Required attachments:
- Statement of intent for your residency at Skaftfell;
- Portfolio of 5-10 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. Results will be announced by the end of October 2019.
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.
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 cancellation.