Question 1

About

Accepted Answer

Seljavegur 32 is located in the western part of Reykjavík city center.

The building has a rich and layered history, reflecting Reykjavík’s architectural and cultural development over the past century.

The plot was originally handed over to the Reykjavík Lighthouse Authority in 1942, to relocate its data warehouse from Klapparstígur. In May 1945, permission was granted to build a three-story concrete office and equipment building, which was completed in October 1946. The structure was built of reinforced concrete, covered with quartz, and featured an iron-clad roof. It has two main wings - the west wing facing Seljavegur and the north wing facing Holtsgata.

Originally, the ground floor housed a car repair and machine workshop, the second floor was used as a lighthouse data factory, and the top floor contained offices. Plans were made in 1948 to expand the building northeast along Seljavegur, though the extension was never constructed. Later that year, part of the west-wing roof was destroyed by fire, leading to reconstruction that included a small tower structure with a balcony on the southwest corner.

A concrete boiler house was added in December 1948, and by 1949, 14 storage rooms had been established on the roof level. From 1952, the building served as the headquarters of the Icelandic Coast Guard, and it remained largely unchanged until 1981, when modifications were made to the roof structure and interior.

In 2006, the Association of Icelandic Visual Artists (SÍM) began leasing the building, transforming it into a vibrant artistic hub with 55 artist studios and residency accommodation for visiting international artists.

Today, Seljavegur 32 houses the SÍM Residency, one of Iceland’s longest-running international artist-in-residence programmes. The building combines its original industrial character with the creative energy of Reykjavík’s contemporary art community.

Located just a 10-minute walk from the old city center, the residency is surrounded by cultural landmarks and amenities, including libraries, museums, galleries, supermarkets, swimming pools, cinemas, restaurants, and the University of Iceland.

The SÍM Residency apartment includes 18 private bedrooms, a mix of private and shared workshop spaces, and a large open project area used for events and group exhibitions. All residents share common facilities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and showers.

Each month, the residency hosts up to 20 - 22 artists, creating a lively and collaborative atmosphere that encourages artistic exchange and experimentation.

Question 2

Accommodation (living/working facilities)

Accepted Answer

The residency apartment consists of:
16 private single bedrooms, connected to individual or shared studio spaces.
4 twin bedrooms, two of which include private kitchenettes.
All bedrooms are furnished with a single bed (200 × 90 cm), a work desk, two chairs, a bedside table, lamps, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and a mirror.
Large shared kitchen on the second floor, fully equipped with cooking utensils, food storage, refrigerators, freezers, and a dishwasher.
Five shared toilets, five showers, and a shared laundry area for all residents.
Large shared workshop space on the ground floor, featuring liftable garage doors opening onto the inner garden.
SÍM Residency Project Space (approx. 190 m²), located on the ground floor, with approximately 4-meter-high ceilings and large windows on both sides. This space serves as a venue for residency events and exhibitions.
All private and shared studio spaces are located on the third floor.
The SÍM Residency office is also located on the third floor.

Question 3

Connection

Accepted Answer

Address:
Seljavegur 32, 101, Reykjavik

From Keflavík Airport to the Residency Apartment

Option 1: Flybus (recommended)
 You can pre-book a Flybus ticket online from Keflavík Airport to bus stop no. 15 – Grandi (by Center Hotels). Flybuses wait outside the airport and depart according to flight arrival times.
 From the hotel, it is approximately a 5-minute walk up the street to Seljavegur 32.
 https://www.re.is/tour/flybus/

Option 2: Rental car 
You may rent a car for one day or longer through Blue Car Rentals. Their pick-up office is at the airport, and the main drop-off location in Reykjavík is about a 15-minute walk from the residency apartment. 
There is free parking next to the residency building's inner garden.
https://www.bluecarrental.is/iceland-car-rental/?

Option 3: Taxi
 If you prefer to take a taxi (do not use any other pick up platforms) (http://www.hreyfill.is/), please book online (app available too) or send an email to the taxi company in advance, including the following information:
Your full name
Flight number
Destination address
Phone number
In your message, please state that you wish to book a direct shuttle taxi from the airport to your destination at a fixed price. The fee could be around 25.000 ISK Please double-check, as the fee is intended to change.

Question 4

Accessibility

Accepted Answer

The residency apartment is on the second floor; therefore, the only way to access the apartment is by using a central staircase.
Due to limited accessibility, we apologize to all artists with a disability or artists having temporary injuries that might cause difficulties in moving. Those artists, unfortunately, can´t be accepted for the residency program due to not safe environment.

Question 5

Residency fee

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.

Program fee: 50,000 ISK (non-refundable) – payable upon official acceptance into the program
Accommodation Fee: 140,000 ISK per month – may be paid monthly during the residency; 
	For the first month, the accommodation fee should be covered two months before arrival at the residency.

Program fee includes:
•	Administration and event organization
•	Artist CV promotion on social media and newsletters
•	SÍM membership card (grants free entrance to main museums, and discounts in art supply stores)

Accommodation fee includes:
•	Wi-Fi
•	Parking
•	A set of towels and bedding
•	Communal kitchen utensils and equipment
•	Cleaning equipment and supplies
•	Iron and ironing board
•	Washing machine, dryer
•	Recycling
•	Heating, water, and electricity costs
•	Basic tools in the project spaces

Not included in the residency fees:
•	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 is non-refundable. No further fees will be charged in the case of cancellation before arrival, provided it is communicated in writing.

Residency accommodation fees for  bedrooms/studios, per month:

1st floor/ground floor
Bedroom - studio  1 / twin/ with private kitchenette  260.000 kr. 
Bedroom - studio 2 / twin / with private kitchenette 250.000 kr. 
2nd floor
Bedroom 3 / single / studio 3 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 4 / single / studio 4 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 5 / single / studio 5 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 6 / single / studio 14 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 7 / single / studio 2 A - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 8 / single / studio 2 B - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 9 / single / studio7 A - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 10 / single / studio 7 B - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 11 / single / studio 1 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 12 / single / studio 13 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 13 / twin / studio 6 - 240.000 kr. 
Bedroom 14 / single / studio 9 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 15 / single / studio 10 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 16 / single / studio 11 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 17 / single / studio 12 - 140.000 kr. 
Bedroom 18 /twin / studio 8 - 240.000 kr.

Question 6

Deposit

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival to residency, the Artist agrees to provide valid credit card information to SÍM Residency as a security deposit to secure and cover potential costs related to damages to the property, loss of keys, or any other incidents that may result in additional expenses for SÍM Residency during the Artist's stay.

Deposit Amount and Use
The security deposit is not an upfront charge but serves as a guarantee. SÍM Residency will not charge the credit card unless:
Damage occurs to the residency apartment or shared spaces      caused by the Artist.
The Artist loses keys to      the residency apartment or common areas.
Any additional cleaning      or repair costs are required due to the Artist's improper use of the      facilities.
Credit Card Information
The Artist agrees to provide SÍM Residency with valid credit card information before the start of the residency program. This information will be kept confidential and will only be used if necessary as outlined in this agreement.

Conditions for Charges
SÍM Residency may charge the provided credit card for the following:
Property damage: Costs for repair or replacement of any damaged items      or property in the residency apartment or shared areas, beyond normal wear      and tear.
Key replacement: A fee of € 60 for each lost or unreturned key.
Fine for smoking in the residency apartment: €      350,00 EUR
Excessive cleaning: If additional cleaning is required due to improper      use or condition of the Artist’s living space beyond reasonable      expectations, a fee will be charged according to cleaning service rates.

The Residency will provide a detailed invoice and explanation of any charges made to the Artist’s credit card.

Refund of Unused Deposit
If no charges are incurred during the Artist’s stay, the provided credit card will not be charged, and the security deposit will be considered null at the end of the residency period.

Artist's Responsibility
The Artist agrees to:
Use the provided residency accommodation and shared spaces responsibly.
Return all keys and maintain the apartment in good condition.
Immediately report any damages,      loss, or other incidents to SÍM Residency staff.

Question 7

Insurance

Accepted Answer

SÍM Residency does not provide insurance for the Artist's health, accidents, or their belongings. 
The Artist is responsible for arranging and maintaining their health insurance and other relevant coverage for the residency.

Upon arrival, artists will be requested to sign the Liability and Assumption of Risk release document.

Question 8

Safety and Security

Accepted Answer

Upon arrival, artists receive an individual set of keys. These keys provide access to the main entrances of the residency building as well as each artist’s private room and/or studio.

Artists are responsible for their personal belongings and are advised to keep their rooms locked at all times. SÍM Residency does not take responsibility for the loss of personal belongings or for damage caused by theft, fire, water, flooding, or other accidents.

In the event of an emergency, artists should call 112 immediately. For non-urgent or non–life-threatening matters, please contact the SÍM Residency management.

SÍM Residency apartment buildings are licensed by the Icelandic Fire Department and comply with safety regulations. These include the installation of smoke detectors in all rooms, studios, and communal areas, as well as the availability of first aid equipment.

Question 9

Guests / pets

Accepted Answer

- Artists wishing to apply with a partner or a friend should choose a twin bedroom.

- Artists applying for a single bedroom are not allowed to host any overnight guests. Alternatively, guests are welcome to stay at the SÍM Guesthouse located downtown.
Children under 14 years cannot stay in the guesthouse.

- 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.

Question 10

Requirements for the artist

Accepted Answer

- SÍM Residency is open, respectful, and gathering artists from all around the world. Any actions that make the atmosphere intimidating, threatening, or hostile to other individuals are considered severe offenses. Abusive or harassing behavior, verbal or physical, 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.
-Artists must keep their bedrooms/studios and shared facilities clean and are expected to leave the apartment in good condition. A deposit agreement is made between SÍM and artists on arrival.
-Residency activities like Artist talk and Open studios/Project presentation is optional. However, we expect all artists to participate in all events. Mandatory participation is for a privet Introduction meeting at the beginning of each month and a group cleaning at the end of each month.