Melting Boundaries: Research and Artivism

Melting Boundaries: Research and Artivism 

Lectures by Konstantine Vlasis, Angela Rawlings, Daria Testo & Vena Naskrecka

“Melting Boundaries: Research and Artivism” is an interdisciplinary lecture event that brings together scientific research and artistic practices to address the urgent issues of glacier preservation in Iceland. These lectures will explore how scientific research on glaciers' ecosystems intersects with the role of art in activism. The event seeks to foster creative solutions and ignite collective action for the preservations of Iceland's glaciers and beyond. Join us as we explore the dynamic intersection of science and art in cultivating global awareness and driving tangible change toward a sustainable future.

We are pleased to welcome an esteemed group of speakers, each bringing their unique expertise in both scientific research and artistic practices, to share their insights on the urgent issue of glacier preservation.

Snæfellsjökul fyrir forseta (Snæfellsjökull for president), Iceland’s first rights of nature movement, nominated the glacier Snæfellsjökull for the country’s 2024 presidential race. The collective’s campaign introduced sociolegal innovations through novel language usage, ecosocial visual storytelling, and critical adaptation of conventional political structures. 

Konstantine Vlasis is an environmental composer, Fulbright-NSF Arctic Researcher, and National Geographic Explorer. His work explores how sound and listening mediate our experiences of changing landscapes, and the ways that music can be a form of climate communication and environmental storytelling. Konstantine is currently studying the sounds of Iceland’s glaciers to develop the concept of “glacial auscultation.”

The event will be held in English. 

Location: SÍM Residency Korpúlfsstaðir

Thorsvegur 1, 112 Reykjavik

in the Meeting Hall (up the ramp)

Date and time: 22. February 14:00-16:00

Free event

The event is financed by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture and is part of the February–March artist-in-residence program exploring the significant impact of the climate crisis on Iceland’s glacial ecosystem.

Participants: Taavi Suisalu, Aistė Ambrazevičiūtė, Calvin Guillot, Urtė Groblytė, Heidi Holmström, Marit Mihklepp & Linda Boļšakova

Sunna Dagsdóttir, Residency Curator

Martynas Petreikis, Residency Director

Sustainability and Artistic Responsibility

In alignment with the United Nations' designation of 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, our program highlights the importance of glaciers and the need for responsible environmental practices.

Following the guidelines set by the United Nations and the Nordic Council of Ministers, SÍM Residency is committed to integrating sustainability into its operations by creating opportunities for international and local art practitioners and researchers to discuss and reflect on environmental and ecological crises. Through conscious efforts such as reducing waste, utilizing eco-friendly materials, and promoting environmentally responsible practices, we strive to minimize our ecological footprint while fostering a deeper connection between art and the natural world.

For more information about the project please visit our website: https://www.sim-residency.info/nordic-baltic-mobility-programme-2025

We’re excited to welcome everyone to join and enjoy the event! If you have any specific needs or require assistance, please feel free to reach out, we are happy to help! sunnadags@gmail.com