The book Skaftfell: The Origin Story 1996-2008, written by former director Tinna Guðmundsdóttir, has been published. Skaftfell in Seyðisfjörður was founded in 1998 and is one of the longest-running independent art centers in the country. The publication examines the center’s history from 1995, when grassroots activities began to take hold, until 2008. From the beginning, vigorous exhibitions with an emphasis on contemporary art have been the backbone of the organisation, but Skaftfell has also operated a guest studio and a restaurant.
The history of Skaftfell is multifaceted, as a diverse group was behind the organisation. The energy for development was great, and the first years were characterised by volunteer work to bring the building into a functional form. The first exhibitions, the beginning of Skaftfell Bistro, and an important collaboration with the Iceland Academy of the Arts and the Dieter Roth Academy are discussed.
This publication paints a picture of how a grassroots movement, artistic ambition and a harmonious community can sustain a vibrant cultural institution in rural Iceland. The legacy and history of Skaftfell are a testament to the transformative potential of art, in which perseverance and creativity play key roles.
The book includes interviews with key figures who both founded Skaftfell and participated in its activities: Aðalheiði Borgþórsdóttir, Arnbjörg Sveinsdóttir, Björn Roth (1961-2026), Daníel Björnsson, Gréta Garðarsdóttir, Inga Jónsdóttir, Kristján Steingrímur Jónsson, Pétur Kristjánsson, Rúna Þorkelsdóttir and Jan Foss, Rúrí, Sirra Sigrún Sigurðardóttir, Sólveig Ölda Halldórsdóttir and Þóra Guðmundsdóttir.
Research, interview processing, text writing and editing were carried out by Tinna Guðmundsdóttir with the assistance of Freyja Reynisdóttir. Tinna Guðmundsdóttir, Celia Harrison, Þórunn Eymundardóttir, Birna Geirfinnsdóttir were responsible for the selection of images and Studio Studio (Arnar Freyr Guðmundsson, Birna Geirfinnsdóttir) were responsible for the book design and binding.

Skaftfell publishes the 304-page book.

We invite you to the official book launch on Saturday, 25 April, at Skaftfell, Austurvegur 42.

15:00 Skaftfell Bistró
Official book launch of Skaftfell: Tilurðarsaga 1996–2008
Readings from the book and introduction by author Tinna Guðmundsdóttir.

Tinna Guðmundsdóttir has been intermittently working on this project since 2017, and Skaftfell would like to thank her for her tremendous efforts and acknowledge all those who participated in the process of making the book.

Skaftfell thanks Icelandic Literature Centre, Mulaþing, Myndlistasjóður, Miðstöð menningarfræða Á Seyðisfirði – Austurbrú and the Student Innovation Fund for their financial support in this project.