Nes Artist Residency
Nes Artist Residency
Nes Artist Residency (Nes Listamiðstöð) is an international multidisciplinary residency established 2008 in Skagaströnd, a small village in Northwest Iceland. Nes provides international artists with a workspace and accommodation in a shared house, and the freedom to create as they wish. Now one of the largest residencies in Iceland, Nes currently hosts between 90-120 artists per year, accepting applications year-round. Nes operates with foundational support from the Municipality of Skagaströnd and the Regional Development Institute Byggðastofnun, and has received grant funding for three local art initiatives: the Public Art Project, Light Up, and Artists in Schools. Since its founding, Nes has participated in a scholarship exchange program with Künstlerhaus Lukas in Germany.
Residents participate in two planned events: the Artist Talk, a presentation for fellow residents in a format of their choice, reading, or performance; and the Open Studio, a two-hour event open to the public, held in the final weekend of the month, during which residents share their work with visitors.
While it is not required to hold an exhibition, Nes can assist in locating a venue in town to create a short-term solo or group exhibition or performance. All costs associated with exhibitions are the responsibility of the artist, although staff can help to promote events on social media and on local email lists. Exhibitions and performances are good opportunities for artists wishing to connect with the wider community. There may also be opportunities to hold workshops for local students.
Nes residents share a house at Fellsbraut 2 in Skagaströnd, 310 meters from the studio. The house contains two apartments that accommodate up to thirteen people. Each artist is provided with a private bedroom/desk and shared bathrooms, kitchens, common areas, and sauna. The house are supplied with linens, towels, general household and kitchen equipment, geothermal heating, and WiFi.
Residents have 24-hour access to a shared open plan studio at Fjörubraut 8, located in an old fish factory. The main area is approximately 19 x 11 meters, and is divided into 10-12 worktables which include a chair, table lamp, and shelving. Attached to the studio is the "Freezer," a versatile space used for performances, screenings, and presentations. A small selection of tools and art materials are available in the supply room, as well as pottery wheel and kiln, but it is advised that artists bring any needed materials with them. As the studio is a shared, Nes asks artists to use low-toxicity materials. Additional specialized workspaces for writers, dancers, and sound artists/musicians can be provided.