Question 1

What the Residency Offers

Accepted Answer

Artist Support & Administration
An official letter of invitation will be issued for funding and visa purposes. (Issued only after converting the confirmation fee).
Mentorship and guidance throughout the planning and implementation of the  artist’s proposed project
Promotion of artists' CV through SÍM Residency social media platforms and newsletters
Archiving an artist's research project on the website  
A letter of recommendation is issued upon completion of the residency program. 
A SÍM membership card, providing:
Free entry to major museums and galleries in Iceland
Discounts at various art supply stores

Residency Programme Activities
1. Online Introductory Meeting
Held in advance of arrival, this online session introduces selected artists to the programme, offers logistical guidance, and provides tips for preparing for life and work in Reykjavík.

2. On-site Welcome Meeting & Group Dinner
During the first week of the residency, artists attend an in-person welcome meeting that includes:
Introduction to the residency space and studio facilities
Overview of Reykjavík's cultural venues and workshop locations
Health & safety guidance for shared living
Followed by a communal group dinner to foster a welcoming environment

3. Artist Talks
In the second week of the residency, artists are invited to present their practice and current research in a public talk held at SÍM’s meeting hall at Korpúlfsstaðir. These events foster local engagement and allow for critical reflection and exchange.

4. Final Group Exhibition
At the end of the three-month residency, artists will present their work in a two-week group exhibition at Hlöðuloftið, SÍM’s on-site exhibition hall.
Following the physical show, a virtual archive of the exhibition will be made available online for an additional three months, with a permanent link for sharing.
See one of our exhibitions here.

Question 2

Residency Program Schedule

Accepted Answer

Meetings and activities for each residency round:

3rd January – 31st March
3rd January – Residency opens; arrivals
5th January – On-site Meeting & Welcome Dinner
9th January – Artist Talks
16th–29th March – Group Exhibition
30th March – Group Cleaning & Departure Preparation
31st March – Final Departure Day

3rd April – 30th June
3rd April – Residency opens; arrivals
7th April – On-site Meeting & Welcome Dinner
10th April – Artist Talks
15th–28th June – Group Exhibition
29th June – Group Cleaning & Departure Preparation
30th June – Final Departure Day

3rd July – 30th September
3rd July – Residency opens; arrivals
6th July – On-site Meeting & Welcome Dinner
10th July – Artist Talks
14th–27th September – Group Exhibition
28th September – Group Cleaning & Departure Preparation
30th September – Final Departure Day

3rd October – 31st December
3rd October – Residency opens; arrivals
5th October – On-site Meeting & Welcome Dinner
9th October – Artist Talks
16th–29th November – Group Exhibition
29th December – Group Cleaning & Departure Preparation
31st December – Final Departure Day

Question 3

Location & Facilities

Accepted Answer

The residency apartment and venue places is located at Korpúlfsstaðir, on the outskirts of Reykjavík, surrounded by open landscapes, and a short distance from the sea.

A Brief History of Korpúlfsstaðir
Korpúlfsstaðir is a historically rich piece of land located on the outskirts of Reykjavík, named after a farmer named Korpúlfur, who is mentioned in the medieval Kjalnesinga saga. During the Middle Ages, the land belonged to the monastery at Viðey (Viðeyjarklaustur) before becoming royal property.

In 1922, entrepreneur Thor Jensen purchased the land from Einar Benediktsson, who had inherited it from his father, Benedikt Sveinsson. Thor Jensen established a modern dairy farm and built the main house that still stands today. The dairy operation eventually ceased following the enactment of the Milk Sales Act of 1934, though it remained active for some time afterward.

In 1942, the City of Reykjavík acquired Korpúlfsstaðir and briefly resumed dairy farming. Later, the building served various purposes, including use as storage for the city’s art collection. However, the house was severely damaged by fire on January 18, 1969.

Following the fire, the Icelandic Sculptors' Association became the first group to revive the site. From 1973 to 1993, they used the former farm as studio spaces and guest artist apartments. Eventually, the property was partially transferred to the Reykjavík Golf Club, which transformed the surrounding farmland into one of the city's largest golf courses.

Between 1999 and 2005, the building operated as a school. Today, the site has been reimagined as a vibrant cultural hub: it houses SÍM artists’ studios, the Hlöðuloftið exhibition space, a meeting hall, and a residency apartment.

The Úlfarsá River, known for its salmon fishing, still flows peacefully through the land, connecting the area's long agricultural past to its contemporary creative present.

Residency apartment:
The residency apartment is located on the second floor of the building and is accessible only via a staircase. It consists of seven private rooms: five are self-contained bedroom/studios, and two (Rooms 2 and 3) are smaller private bedrooms. Artists in Rooms 2 and 3 are provided with a dedicated workspace located in a shared studio area on the upper floor.
Artists staying in the bedroom/studios may also access a shared project space on the rooftop if additional working space is needed.
All residents share common facilities, including a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, one toilet, and one shower.
Each bedroom is furnished with:
A single bed
A large desk and an office chair
A wardrobe and chest of drawers (comoda)
Desk lamps
Artists are provided with two full sets of bed linens and two sets of towels. Basic cleaning supplies—including cleaning equipment, detergents, and toilet paper—are included.
Free parking is available next to the residency apartment.

Visit the apartment virtually

Question 4

Workshops and Workspaces

Accepted Answer

The rooftop floor of the residency building is divided into two main working areas:
A shared project space, available to all artists.
Two dedicated workspaces are reserved for residents of the smaller private bedrooms (Rooms 2 and 3).
This floor also includes a technical sink and a selection of shared tools and equipment, including:
Multiple desks and work tables
A small vintage graphic printing press
A sewing machine
Extra computer screens
Basic tools such as drills, saws, hammers, pliers, and more
Speacers
* Artists are not allowed to use any materials that have a strong smell or are easily flammable.

Before the start of each residency, artists will have the opportunity to inquire about available tools. The residency team will do their best to accommodate requests or help source additional tools when possible.

In addition, artists can have access to a variety of professional workshops across Reykjavík, which may be useful for specific project needs. These include:
Printmaking studios
Glass workshop
Sculpture and ceramic workshops
Reykjavík Fab Lab
Dance studio
And more
Artists can arrange to rent these facilities independently, depending on their project requirements.

For more details, please visit our list of partners and external workshops:
 👉 SIM Residency – Workshops and Partners

Question 5

Residency Fees & Conditions

Accepted Answer

SÍM Residency operates as a nonprofit, sustainable, self-funded programme, with partial facility support provided by the City of Reykjavík. Residency fees cover accommodation, organizational support, activities, and mentorship.
Confirmation Fee:
50,000 ISK (non-refundable) – payable upon official acceptance into the program
Accommodation Fee:
140,000 ISK / 190,000 per month (non-refundable)  – may be paid monthly during the residency; 
For the first month, the accommodation fee should be covered two months before arrival at the residency (non-refundable).

Residency Fee Includes:
•	Administration and event organization
•	SÍM membership card
•	Wi-Fi
•	Parking
•	A set of towels and bedding
•	Communal kitchen utensils and equipment
•	Cleaning equipment and supplies
•	Iron and ironing board
•	Washing machine and blow dryer
•	Recycling
•	Heating, water, and electricity costs
•	Basic tools in the project space

Not Included in the Residency Fee:
•	Food.
•	Work materials or supplies.
•	Insurance.
•	Travel expenses or travel costs.
•	Other living costs.
•	Workshop fees.

Payment Methods:
•	An invoice will be issued after signing the residency agreement. Artists will receive an online payment link (“pay-by-link”) to pay the confirmation fee with a debit or credit card.
•	For grants or specific requests, the fee can be transferred via bank transfer upon prior arrangement.

All residency fees are set in ISK (Icelandic króna). SÍM Residency is not responsible for any additional service charges added by international banks or credit card companies. These charges must be covered by the artist.

Additional Information:

Official Invitation Letter:
•	Issued only after the confirmation fee (1st instalment) is received.

Residency Fee Purpose:
•      The fee covers the costs of running the program. It does not constitute rent, and the artist does not gain the legal status of a tenant.

Cancellation Policy:
The confirmation fee and two-month prior residency fee for the first month are non-refundable.

Residency fees for available studios bedrooms, per month:

Room 1 = 15 sqm / 140.000 ISK  (Single Bedroom/Studio)
Room 2 = 12 sqm / 140.000 ISK  (Single Bedroom +  studio A space)
Room 3 = 12 sqm / 140.000 ISK (Single Bedroom +  studio B space )
Room 4 = 15 sqm / 140.000 ISK (Single Bedroom/Studio)
Room 5 = 15 sqm / 140.000 ISK  (Single Bedroom/Studio)
Room 6 = 15 sqm / 140.000 ISK  (Single Bedroom/Studio)
Room 7 = 19 sqm / 140.000 ISK (Double Bedroom/Studio) can accommodate two people, the room costs 190.000 ISK for an individuals or a pair)

Question 6

Guests

Accepted Answer

SÍM Residency program is designed to provide artists with a focused and immersive environment, allowing them to fully engage with their work and the collective experience of the residency. To support this goal, we do not allow artists to host visiting guests, family members, or friends in the residency apartment overnight. This policy ensures that each artist can remain fully dedicated to their residency without interruptions, fostering an atmosphere of concentration, collaboration, and creative growth among the group.

While staying in  the residency, SÍM Residency artists receive a discount of 10% at SÍM Guesthouse for visiting guests or if artists wish to stay in Reykjavík before/after the residency program. Selected artists will receive a coupon code for a discount via email. 
Children under 14 years cannot stay in the guesthouse.
The guests can stay for a maximum of two weeks.

Question 7

SÍM Residency in-house Rules

Accepted Answer

We have assembled this set of rules to make everyone's stay in the residency as positive and fulfilling as possible. We thank you for respecting fellow residents, SÍM staff, and the Residency space.

The SÍM Residency community is open and respectful and gathers artists from all around the world. Any actions arising from individuals or groups that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to others are considered severe offenses. Abusive or harassing verbal or physical behavior that disrespects personal characteristics or beliefs such as sex, sexual orientation, race, national origin, religion, and disability is subject to disciplinary sanctions, including immediate eviction from the Residency program. Therefore, applying artists must be open and respectful towards the SÍM staff and other residency program artists.

*Those violating rules will receive a caution. If behaviors continue, a resident may be asked to leave. Management retains the right to evict guests without caution if they damage SÍM property or their behavior is dangerous/disturbing to other artists.

Safety and Security:
- Upon arrival, artists receive an individual set of keys. Keys are for the main doors of the residency building and each artist’s bedroom/studio.
- Artists are responsible for their belongings and should always keep their room locked.   
- SÍM Residency does not take responsibility for an individual artist‘s belongings in case of theft, fire, water damage, flood, or other accidents.
- In extreme emergencies, artists should call 112 to seek help. In other cases, if the matter is not urgent or life-threatening, contact the SIM Residency management.
- Both SÍM Residency apartment have licenses from the Icelandic fire department, which adhere to safety regulations, including installing smoke detectors in each room/studio and communal areas and first aid equipment.

Cleaning:
- Artists are responsible for keeping their room and shared spaces clean throughout their stay. - Please be considerate and tidy up immediately after you have used common spaces. Do not leave unwashed items on the tables or in the sink for the next day. The rubbish from the kitchen bin should be taken to the outside bin regularly.
- There is a weekly rotating cleaning roster for common spaces.
- The joint space is thoroughly cleaned at the end of every month and ALL artists are required to attend this group cleaning session.
- Painting or drawing on the floor and walls is not allowed and will incur a cleaning/damage fee.
- At the end of the month, each artist is responsible for;
- cleaning their room and studio,
- removing bedding and placing it in the linen basket in the cleaning room,
- removing any remaining consumables or artist materials from the bathroom, your room, and the kitchen (including your food drawer, the fridge, and freezer). You may leave extra material or food with other artists, if you talk to them personally and they agree to take responsibility for these items.

Care of Equipment and Property:
Please report any damage or malfunction of equipment, including electrical appliances, showers, toilets, taps, furniture, etc.
- The management should be informed of any missing furniture or studio equipment.
- The power supply in the apartments and studio is 220 volts. Please use adapters when using electrical equipment with different voltages.

Excessive Disturbance, Damage, Smoking, Alchohol, and Drug Use:
- Smoking is forbidden inside the residency buildings, and the use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated.
- Disturbance, damage, use of drugs or excessive alcohol, any intolerance or unfriendly behavior towards other residents will result in immediate eviction.
- Quiet time is observed in the residency between the hours of 10 PM - 8 AM. Please do not play music, have loud discussions, slam doors, or make other noise that may wake fellow residents. Please be considerate of other artists and their work/home space.
- The use of toxic fluids, particularly nitro, aerosols, petrol, and benzenes, is strictly forbidden.
- Korpúlfsstaðir have spaces that may be suitable for working with odorous materials. However, such materials require prior permission and clearance from the residency Manager.
- Please ask for assistance if conflicts arise between the artists in the residency.

Question 8

Accessibility Notice

Accepted Answer

The residency apartment is located on the second floor and is only accessible via stairs. Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building.
We sincerely apologize that we are unable to provide wheelchair-accessible or step-free access.

Question 9

Visa

Accepted Answer

EU/EEA citizens: No visa needed.
Schengen visa holders: Iceland is part of Schengen. You can stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Other nationalities: Check Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration: www.utl.is

SÍM Residency, to support artists' requests for a visa, will issue a letter. 
Artists are responsible for applying for visa permits on their own.

Question 10

Requirements for the applicant/s

Accepted Answer

1. 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.

2. Who cannot apply?

- 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.

3. 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.

Question 11

Application requirements

Accepted Answer

- 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)

After the deadline, it might take up to six weeks to receive a response from our expert group. All applicants will be notified.

Question 12

Evaluation criteria

Accepted Answer

1. Artistic Merit
Evaluates the applicant's previous work and overall artistic quality.
Are the portfolio, CV, and other documents professionally presented?

2. Project Proposal, motivation and artistic growth
Assesses the clarity, feasibility, and relevance of the proposed project.
Is the proposal well-articulated and coherent?
Can the proposed project be realistically completed during the residency period?
Does the project show awareness of and a connection to the Icelandic or Reykjavík cultural, social, or environmental context?
Measures the applicant’s commitment to artistic development and their reasons for applying.
Does the applicant articulate how the residency will contribute to their practice?
Is there interest in interacting with other residents, the local community, or the Icelandic environment?
Does the applicant show the ability to work independently and adapt to new environments?