Organizer Information
SÍM — Samband íslenskra myndlistarmanna, The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists — is a non-profit interest organization founded in 1982 that represents roughly 760 professional artists in Iceland and works to improve their working conditions and safeguard their professional interests. The association runs around 146 studios across the greater Reykjavík area and hosts over 200 visiting foreign artists annually through its residency program. Since 2006, SÍM has run its residency and studio spaces from Seljavegur 32, a former industrial building in downtown Reykjavík that once served as Icelandic Coast Guard headquarters before being converted into artist studios and residency accommodation. SÍM Residency is one of Iceland's longest-running international artist-in-residence programs, and this particular edition is developed with support from the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture.
Title & Description
Funded SÍM Residency for Nordic & Baltic Artists — January–February 2027
This is a two-month funded residency for multidisciplinary artists from the Nordic-Baltic region, taking place in Reykjavík from January to February 2027. The residency is built around artistic research and production addressing sustainability, ecology, social equality, and Nordic cultural narratives. Participants will develop individual projects while taking part in studio visits and discussions, and public open studios and talks are held to foster dialogue with local audiences on environmental and social themes. The program culminates in a public exhibition or presentation of the work developed during the residency.
Theme
Sustainability, ecology, social equality, and Nordic cultural narratives
Categories
- Residency
- Visual Arts
- Performance
- Sound/Music
- Multimedia
- Research
- Interdisciplinary Arts
- Environment
Eligibility
- Open to four artists who have a permanent address in one of the eligible countries: Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Åland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
- Artists living in Iceland are explicitly excluded, despite Iceland being a Nordic country
- Nordic or Baltic nationality is not required — non-nationals residing in an eligible country may apply
- Must demonstrate strong interest in sustainability, ecology, social equality, and Nordic cultural narratives
- Open to artists from diverse fields, including visual arts, performance, sound, digital media, and research
- Must be available for the entire residency period, January 3 – February 28, 2027; shorter periods will not be granted
- Must hold a Bachelor's degree in visual arts or a related field (e.g. art history, curatorial studies, dance), or equivalent professional experience; candidates without a relevant BA may still apply if they submit a letter of recommendation from a curator, museum, or gallery
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English
- Must be able to attend all meetings and events and participate in the final exhibition
- Must submit a project proposal (400 words) describing the intended art or research project, its relevance to the theme, its significance to the applicant's career at this stage, openness to collaboration, and environmentally responsible methods and material choices
Program Benefits & Awards
- Stipend of €2,000 for the whole residency period
- Travel cost coverage of €600
- Material cost allowance of €500
- Accommodation and private studio at Seljavegur 32, including a private bedroom and shared kitchen/living spaces
- Orientation and introduction meeting
- Artist presentation featured on the SÍM Residency website and social media channels
- Opportunities for public presentations and artist talks
- Studio visit with a curator
- Access to local artists and public workshop facilities (e.g. sound recording studio, Fab Lab, ceramics, textile, darkroom) as needed
- Documentation and publication of the artist's project on the SÍM Residency website as part of SÍM Projects
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Residency Period: January 3 – February 28, 2027
Location
Seljavegur 32, Reykjavík, Iceland
Additional Details
- Artists are not permitted to host overnight guests, family, or friends in the residency apartment; visitors may instead stay at the SÍM Guesthouse downtown, at the artist's own cost, as guest stays are not covered by the residency grant
- Pets are not permitted in the residency apartments due to Food and Veterinary Department regulations
- The residency apartment is on the second floor and accessible only by staircase; there is no elevator
- Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding from local arts councils or institutions in their home countries if needed
- Artists are not required to leave any artworks with the residency program after completion
- Personal data and project proposals submitted in the application are accessible only to SÍM Residency staff and the SÍM Experts' Committee, and are processed in compliance with GDPR