03 Aug 2017

Call for artists: Skaftfell Center for Visual Art – Residency Program 2018

The residency program at Skaftfell Center for Visual Art aims to create and nurture an environment for inspiration, focus, discourse, and experiment; to encourage artists to experience life and work in a unique micro community where creativity is applied to the everyday; to foster a sense of community between artists and the public in the rural setting of East Iceland; and to provide conditions that stimulate the dialogue between art and life.
Skaftfell aims to gradually make all its operations environmentally sustainable, and to promote sustainability within its action radius in the region. The town of Seyðisfjörður is powered by renewable energy, its drinking water comes from the surrounding mountains and the inhabitants are working towards making it a plastic-free town.

The Skaftfell residencies are self-directed and provide space, time, and solitude for research and/or for the production of work. The program is best suited for visual artists but artists with interdisciplinary practices and curators are also welcome to apply.

Opportunities which the artists-in-residence can participate in: artist talks, open studios, workshops for the local community and for primary school children, and the Skaftfell educational program. Longer-term artists-in-residence may also propose an exhibition in Seyðisfjörður in conclusion to their stay.
The applicant may choose the duration of a residency at Skaftfell between 1-6 months in a private or shared residency. Applications for a residency period of 2 months or longer are given preference.
The residencies are located in various old, refurbished houses with historic significance to the town. The apartments are equipped with WiFi, bicycles, Icelandic mobile phones, and ecologically friendly cleaning products. 
Artists-in-residence have access to basic tools, including projection equipment, paper, amplifiers and workshop tools. There is a recycling yard in town for artists working with found objects and materials. Access to Skaftfell's multi-functional workspace can be arranged upon arrival.
The Skaftfell staff provides support and assistance, keeping artists up to date with events in town, offering dialogue and advice where required, and facilitating projects within our capacities.

Residency type
Applicants have the possibility to choose between a Private Residency (sole use of the apartment) and a Shared Residency (private bedroom, sharing studio/kitchen/bathroom with 1 other artist). Group Residency applications are welcome and will be accommodated according to the size of group (up to 5) in a private house or apartment with a number of private or shared bedrooms.

Private Residency
Accommodation in private house or apartment with studio/living space. Overnight guests and family members welcome.
Price per month 105.000 ISK with studio (20m2)
Price per month 90.000 ISK without studio (research residency)

Shared Residency
Accommodation in a private room with shared studio/living space, kitchen and bathroom. This type of residency does not have the capacity to accommodate family members/partners and overnight guests.
Price per month per person 75.000 ISK

Group Residency
Accommodation suitable for groups of 3-5 artists in a private house or apartment with shared and private bedrooms, shared kitchen, bathroom, and studio space.
Price per month for the group: from 120.000 ISK dependent on size of group

Residency grants
In 2018 Skaftfell offers one grant for a German artist, courtesy of Goethe-Institut Dänemark. German artists are eligible to apply for a two month residency in 2018. The grant includes support towards travel costs, a stipend, and a small budget for materials. For more information please visit: skaftfell.is/goethe-institut-residency-grant-2018-at-skaftfell/?lang=en

Application process
The call for applications for the Skaftfell Residency Program 2018 is open until September 15, 2017. Applications submitted after the deadline unfortunately cannot be considered. Please note that artists applying for the Goethe-Institut residency grant need to fill out a separate application form (see below). The applications will be evaluated by a panel of arts professionals appointed by Skaftfell. Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of October 2017.

Please use the online application form to submit your application: podio.com/webforms/18816563/1266342
Goethe-Institut grant application form: podio.com/webforms/18827690/1267139

With the application form the following attachments must be included in pdf format:
A portfolio of 5-10 images with short descriptions of your recent work (please add title, year, size, material)
CV, max. 2 pages
Project description, or a description of your intentions for and expectations of a residency at Skaftfell.
Only complete applications including the required documents will be reviewed.

Evaluation criteria
Artistic quality and innovation, the applicant's ability to work independently on a professional level, 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 a specific project or practice is especially relevant for a residency at Skaftfell.

Reservation fee
Following the artist's acceptance of the offer of a residency, a reservation fee (50% of the total residency fee) is required to reserve the place. The reservation fee is not refundable in case of cancellation. The remainder of the total residency fee is due before arrival.

Travel
Residents are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Seyðisfjörður. Successful applicants will receive a detailed description of how to get here, including various travel options. As part of Skaftfell's mission to minimize its carbon footprint we have teamed up with Smyril Line, the international ferry sailing from Denmark via Faroe Islands to Seyðisfjörður. Through our booking agent a special discount can be arranged for artists-in-residence travelling by ferry during off-season. For more information on the ferry visit www.smyrilline.com.

For further information please email: residency@skaftfell.is