SÍM Residency Reykjavík Open Call for 2026

Организатор

SÍM Residency

SÍM Residency Reykjavík Open call for 2026 Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 Country: Iceland The SÍM Residency invites artists and cultural practitioners to apply for its self-funded Artist-in-Residence Programme 2026 in downtown Reykjavík. Rooted in the Icelandic art scene and open to the world, SÍM Residency offers time, space, and context for artistic research, reflection, and exchange. The programme supports practices that engage with place, material, ecology, language, and contemporary cultural conditions – encouraging slow processes, experimentation, and dialogue. Residents live and work at Seljavegur 32 in downtown Reykjavík, within a shared yet independent environment, with access to private and communal studios, public moments of exchange, and presentation formats that foreground research as much as outcome. The residency unfolds through: – Orientation and collective introduction – Public Artist Talks – Group exhibitions and shared presentations – Ongoing engagement with Reykjavík’s artistic community – A digital exhibition archive extending beyond the physical stay Artists may join the programme for one to three months. The open call runs year-round, with applications reviewed weekly. We welcome proposals that respond to questions of sustainability, ecology, geology, environment, Icelandic culture, Nordic languages, and postmodern society – while remaining open to diverse disciplines, methodologies, and forms of inquiry. SÍM Residency is a sustainable residency without receiving state grants. Visiting artists pay a residency programme fee of 50.000 ISK (single fixed fee for duration of the programme) and monthly accommodation fee from 140.000 ISK per month. This meets the minimum cost of running the residency program. The fee includes administration, a residency program, accommodation, and studio space. Duration of residency 1-3 months. Granted residency is from the third day of the first month to the last day of the relevant month. Accommodation Residency apartment and studios located at Seljavegur 32 in the western part of Reykjavík city center. The building has a rich and layered history, reflecting Reykjavík’s architectural and cultural development over the past century. The plot was originally handed over to the Reykjavík Lighthouse Authority in 1942, to relocate its data warehouse from Klapparstígur. In May 1945, permission was granted to build a three-story concrete office and equipment building, which was completed in October 1946. The structure was built of reinforced concrete, covered with quartz, and featured an iron-clad roof. It has two main wings – the west wing facing Seljavegur and the north wing facing Holtsgata. Originally, the ground floor housed a car repair and machine workshop, the second floor was used as a lighthouse data factory, and the top floor contained offices. Plans were made in 1948 to expand the building northeast along Seljavegur, though the extension was never constructed. Later that year, part of the west-wing roof was destroyed by fire, leading to reconstruction that included a small tower structure with a balcony on the southwest corner. A concrete boiler house was added in December 1948, and by 1949, 14 storage rooms had been established on the roof level. From 1952, the building served as the headquarters of the Icelandic Coast Guard, and it remained largely unchanged until 1981, when modifications were made to the roof structure and interior. In 2006, the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists (SÍM) began leasing the building, transforming it into a vibrant artistic hub with 55 artist studios and residency accommodation for visiting international artists. Today, Seljavegur 32 houses the SÍM Residency, one of Iceland’s longest-running international artist-in-residence programmes. The building combines its original industrial character with the creative energy of Reykjavík’s contemporary art community. Located just a 10-minute walk from the old city center, the residency is surrounded by cultural landmarks and amenities, including libraries, museums, galleries, supermarkets, swimming pools, cinemas, restaurants, and the University of Iceland. The SÍM Residency apartment includes 18 private bedrooms, a mix of private and shared workshop spaces, and a large open project area used for events and group exhibitions. All residents share common facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and showers. Each month, the residency hosts up to 20 – 22 artists, creating a lively and collaborative atmosphere that encourages artistic exchange and experimentation. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Disciplines: We are open to all art forms and practices - from contemporary visual arts to multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches. We welcome cultural practitioners, creative writers, dancers, performance artists, sound artists, and more. Work Equipment: Artists are responsible for funding their own work equipment and materials. The residency provides basic tools, some IT equipment, and recyclable materials that artists may use freely. Additionally, SÍM Residency can help artists connect with external professional workshops and facilities, such as sculpture studios, Fab Lab, ceramics workshops, dance studios, and sound recording facilities. Please note that additional fees may apply depending on the workshop. Assistance: Before and during the residency, artists receive guidance and introductory meetings, as well as mentorship from the residency staff to support their needs. In addition, artists are granted a SÍM membership card, which provides free entrance to local museums and galleries, as well as discounts at certain art supply stores and other cultural venues.Studio / Workspace Each artist is provided with a private or shared working space, depending on availability and the artist’s preference. Additional external public workshops or professional artist-run studio workshops are also available. Please note that extra fees may apply and are paid directly to the workshop hosts.Fees and support Artists are required to pay the residency programme and accommodation fees. In addition, artists are responsible for their own travel, insurance, and living expenses. SÍM Residency does not have a dedicated funding body and, unfortunately, cannot offer scholarships or stipends. We therefore strongly recommend that artists seek funding opportunities in their home countries, as most Icelandic funding schemes are primarily intended for Icelandic artists or projects. All selected artists receive an official letter confirming their participation in the residency program, which may support their applications for external funding to cover the cost of their stay. Expectations towards the artist Who can apply? – We welcome all creators and art practitioners to propose an art or research project. This includes individuals working in all mediums of visual arts, design, architecture, music, dance, performance art, creative writing, curation, cultural work, and scientific research. Our residency programs aim to bring together diverse artists and researchers, fostering a shared time and space for networking and the exchange of professional knowledge. Note: While the SÍM Residency was originally established for visual artists and is best suited to their needs, creators working with music, sound, dance, or performance are also welcome to apply. Please be aware that we do not provide professional equipment or stage facilities for these practices. However, we have strong collaborations with local creators who can offer workshops or resources to help you realize your art project. Who has to consider applying? – Artists with children: Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate artists with children due to safety regulations and limited accessibility. Both residency apartments are located on the second floor, and access is only via staircases. As such, we are unable to meet the strict safety requirements necessary to host children. – Artists with disabilities: We deeply regret that our facilities are not accessible to individuals with disabilities. Due to the same staircase-only access, we are unable to provide accommodations that meet accessibility standards, and government permissions have not been granted to support these needs. – Short-term applicants: The minimum stay at the residency is three months. Artists seeking stays shorter than one month are unfortunately not eligible to apply. – Individuals sensitive to dynamic environments: We encourage individuals who are highly sensitive to social engagement or navigating particularly challenging periods of their lives to consider their application carefully. The residency program hosts a vibrant community of creators from diverse artistic disciplines, cultural backgrounds, and walks of life. The shared living spaces, including kitchens and living rooms, naturally foster interactions and social activities, such as preparing meals together, sharing stories, or enjoying movies as a group. This dynamic and lively environment is designed to inspire collaboration and connection, but it may not be suitable for everyone. If you are not used to it or feel uncomfortable with such an environment, we recommend looking into other residency programs that might suit you best. Requirements for the applicant – Educational Background: Applicants to be considered must hold a BA degree as the lowest level of education to be eligible for the residency program. Exceptions may be made for self-taught artists who demonstrate high professionalism in their artistic practices, supported by a compelling CV and project proposal. – Language Proficiency: English is the primary language of communication at SÍM Residency. Therefore, applicants must have the ability to understand, speak, and write in English to effectively participate in the program. – Community Conduct: The SÍM Residency fosters an open, respectful, and inclusive community, welcoming artists from around the world. Any actions that create an intimidating, threatening, or hostile environment are strictly prohibited. Abusive or harassing behavior, whether verbal or physical, that disrespects personal characteristics or beliefs – such as sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, or disability – will result in disciplinary measures, including immediate eviction from the program. Applicants must demonstrate respect towards SÍM staff and fellow artists. – Participation in Activities: Residency activities such as Artist Talks, group exhibition, and project presentations are optional but encouraged. Artists are expected to engage and participate in all events. Mandatory participation includes: – A private introduction meeting at the beginning of each month. – A group cleaning session at the end of each month. – Cleanliness and Maintenance: Artists are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their bedrooms/studios and shared facilities. Apartments must be left in good condition upon departure. Upon arrival, SÍM and the artist will establish a deposit agreement. Application information We highly recommend using the Google Chrome browser to fill out the form to avoid issues. – All applicants must complete the application form; only fully completed applications will be revived. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. – In the application form, we ask all applicants to present a CV with education, latest activities, and, if completed/received –  residency programs, a list of grants. – For an art project/research, we expect to receive a self-directed creative project proposal. We want all artists/researchers to feel free with proposals, as we are open to all ideas and forms. If you can apply in a frame of those themes #sustainability #ecology #global-warming #postmodernsociety #geology #environment #icelandicculture #nature #nordiclanguage, it would give you a tip. In the proposal, we would seek to understand how artists plan to use the granted residency period, their research fields, possible outcomes, and why artists, in particular, need to join our residency program. – As visual examples, we would be pleased to see tree images attached to the form. Images that would represent artists’ art form, a medium that will be closely connected to the proposed project. – If you are applying as a co-artist duo or a group and working together on the same project, choose one of your leading members as the primary contact name, and in the Notes, add all other co-artists names and websites. – When completing the application, you should receive an email from the application form as confirmation. (double check your Junk, as quite often it ends there)

Награда

студия, участие в выставках, SIM-членство, цифровой архив работ

Условия участия

Страны-участники: Без ограничений по стране

BA degree or equivalent; English proficiency; no children; minimum 1-month stay