The SÍM Residency is delighted to announce its February-March 2025 extended residency program, tailored specifically for artists and researchers from the Nordic-Baltic region. This unique two-month residency invites multidisciplinary artists interested in the convergence of art, science, and environmental activism, offering an unparalleled opportunity to explore the pressing issue of the climate crisis and its impact on Iceland’s glacial ecosystems.

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Residency Overview

For over 22 years, the SÍM Residency has hosted more than 3,000 international artists seeking creative inspiration amidst Iceland’s stunning natural landscape. This residency builds upon our tradition, with a special focus on fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between artists, scientists, and environmental activists. During this period, artists will engage with Iceland’s unique geography and ecology, combining field research, creative exploration, and scientific inquiry.

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Participants will be based at Korpúlfsstaðir, a dynamic hub that houses both the residency apartment and 37 local artists’ studios, SÍM Hlöðuloftið exhibition space and the meeting hall, fostering an environment of collaboration and creative exchange. The residency will culminate in a series of panel discussion, curated exhibition at the end of the residency showcasing research outcomes, artistic experimentation, and project proposals.

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Grants & Support

This program is funded by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, which covers travel costs, residency fees, accommodation, and expedition costs. The stipend is 2.000 EUR for the whole period, and the material costs are 300,00 EUR. Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding from local arts councils or institutions in their home countries if necessary.

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Program Focus: Art, Science & Environmental Activism

The February-March 2025 program is dedicated to investigating the rapid changes in Iceland’s glacial systems, with a particular focus on the Vatnajökull glacier, one of the largest in Europe. The residency program will serve as a platform for a deeper understanding of the climate crisis, its impact on fragile glacial ecosystems, and the broader implications for the planet through a combination of collective learning and studying, open-ended research and experimentation, and on-site field expeditions.

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The residency program invites artists from diverse backgrounds and practices to work and think together about what new perspectives, knowledge, sensibilities, and imaginaries can become a source of change toward a more sustainable and livable future. Thinking about the present moment and future of the glacial ecosystem, the residency program seeks new insights into its fragility, complexity, and connectedness, which can inspire critical thinking and action that can lead to transformative shifts at various scales, meaningfully addressing planetary urgencies and today´s overlapping crises.

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Key areas of exploration include:

• Ecology & Local Biodiversity: Investigating the impact of climate change on the flora and fauna of Iceland’s fragile ecosystems.

• Sustainability & Green Energy: Gaining insights into renewable energy use practices in Iceland and discussing its far-reaching ecological, social, and material impacts and implications, alongside the role of art in discussing pathways towards a more sustainable and just future.

• Geology & Glacial Formations: Collaborating with local scientists to study the shifting landscapes of Iceland’s glaciers and volcanic formations.

• Human-Nature Relationship: Rethinking the human-nature relationships through more-than-human interconnectedness and interdependence.   

• Eco-socially engaged art: Connecting with local communities and empowering social and environmental activism to inspire change.

 

Residency Activities

The residency offers a rich and immersive experience designed to foster creativity, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary research. Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including:

1. Expedition to Vatnajökull:
   A highlight of the residency, artists will embark on an expedition to Vatnajökull, where they will witness firsthand the effects of global warming on one of Europe’s largest glaciers. This journey will provide invaluable insight into glacial formations and ongoing environmental changes.

2. Workshops & Lectures:
   A series of workshops and lectures led by local scientists, environmentalists, and artists will focus on topics such as climate science, renewable energy transitions, and artistic responses to environmental challenges. These sessions aim to inspire new perspectives and approaches in the artists' work.

3. Collaborative Research Projects:
   Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects, combining artistic and scientific methodologies. These projects can be developed throughout the residency, with potential for future exhibitions and presentations.

4. Studio Practice:
   Artists will have dedicated time for their studio practice within the shared residency space. This collaborative environment fosters dialogue and creative exchange among artists and local practitioners, encouraging the sharing of ideas, techniques, and experiences.

5. Panel discussion and & Exhibition
   The central focus of the residency outcome will be highlighted with a curated exhibition at SÍM Hlöðuloftið the exhibition space and a panel discussion where the local community, curators, and peers can engage with the artists and their research.

6. Excursions & Cultural Engagement:
   Artists will be encouraged to explore Iceland's cultural and natural heritage through excursions to key ecological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. The residency will provide a visitor card, granting free access to all museums and discounts at local art stores.

 

Residency Accommodation & Studio Space

Participants will reside in comfortable apartment within the Korpúlfsstaðir residency complex, which includes shared kitchen and living spaces to encourage collaboration and discussion. Each artist will have access to communal project space, allowing for both collaborative and independent work. In need of special workshops, artists will be connected to local artists and public workshops, like sound recording studios, Fab Lab, ceramic, sculpture textile, darkroom, etc.

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Eligibility & Application

The residency is open to seven interdisciplinary artists from Nordic-Baltic countries who have demonstrated a strong interest in the intersection of art, science, and environmental activism. Artists from diverse fields, including visual arts, performance, sound, digital media, and research, are encouraged to apply.

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The residency program is specifically open to artists who reside in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

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Eligible Countries

Artists must be living in one of the following countries or regions:

Nordic Countries: Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland.

Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.

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Ineligible Location: Artists living in Iceland are explicitly excluded from applying, even though Iceland is a Nordic country.

 

The candidates must have a permanent address in one of the eligible countries.

However, they do not need to be of Nordic or Baltic nationality. This means non-nationals who reside in the eligible countries can also apply.

 

In short, artists living in the specified Nordic or Baltic regions are eligible for the program, regardless of nationality, provided they meet the application requirements.

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To be considered for the SÍM Residency program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Full Residency Commitment:
   Candidates must be available to participate in the residency for the entire duration, from February 3rd to March 31st, 2025. Shorter residency periods will not be granted.

2. Social Engagement and Collaboration:
   The residency emphasizes group interaction and creative exchange. Therefore, candidates should demonstrate openness to dialogue, collaboration, and social engagement. We seek artists who are tolerant, accepting, and willing to contribute to a shared creative environment.

3. Educational Qualifications:
   A Bachelor’s degree in visual arts or a similar field (such as art history, curatorial studies, dance, etc.) is required. Equivalent professional experience in the arts will also be considered. Candidates without BA in arts or similar fields, can propose their candidacy, but additionally candidates will have to present a letter of recommendation, from curator, museum or gallery.

4. Project Proposal and Motivation:
   The SÍM Residency is a project-based program, and candidates are expected to submit a proposal for an individual art or research project toward the theme. During the residency, artists will develop and realize this project, with the results or process presented in an exhibition format at the end of the program. In the motivation letter, we expect candidates to express their specific interests clearly, explain why this residency program is significant for their career at this point, and demonstrate their openness and desire for collaboration. 400 words.

5. English Proficiency:
   As the residency involves international participants and activities, candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English.

6. Participation in Program Activities:
   Artists must be able to attend all meetings, lectures, and events and actively participate in the final exhibition and panel discussion.

7. Project Documentation:
   The artist’s project must be documented and published on the SÍM Residency website as part of the SÍM Projects at the end of the residency.

8. Artwork Ownership:
   Artists are not required to leave any artworks with the residency program after completion.

 

Remarks on visitors and pets:

The 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 for overnight stays.

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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. If you wish to host visitors during your time in Iceland, we recommend arranging time with them outside the residency period. Alternatively, guests are welcome to stay at the SÍM Guesthouse located downtown, though please note that guest stays are not covered by the residency grant.

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As much as we love animals, we are unable to host pets in the residency apartments due to strict regulations set by the Food and Veterinary Department.

 

Accessibility

The SÍM Residency apartment is located on the second floor and is accessible only by staircase. Unfortunately, there is no elevator available.

 

Additionally, the residency involves physically demanding activities, such as hiking on glaciers and participating in expeditions. Therefore, we encourage artists to assess their physical readiness for these experiences, and we will make every effort to accommodate those with specific accessibility needs."

 

If you have concerns about accessibility or health requirements, don't hesitate to get in touch with us for more information.

 

Outcomes & Future Opportunities

At the end of the two-month residency, artists will be invited to share their work in an exhibition or public presentation in SÍM Hlöðuloftið exhibition space Reykjavík, showcasing the research and creative processes developed during their time at SÍM Residency. Additionally, artists may have opportunities to collaborate on future projects with SÍM and other local institutions.

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The Team:

Granted residency director and coordinator - Martynas Petreikis

Curator: Bilge Hasdemir

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​*The personal data and conceptual project proposal submitted in the application form will be accessible only to SÍM Residency staff and the SÍM Experts’ Committee for evaluation and selection purposes. Your information will be securely processed and stored in compliance with EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and will not be shared with third parties.