Artist residency programme
Each year we offer up to three companies the opportunity to focus on their work in the thunderous silence of Northwest Iceland. The residency programme is best suited for early development work and is tailored to your company's needs and goals. Residencies typically last 1 - 3 months. Shorter stays of 14 days are possible for groups and are well suited to theatre companies exploring early development ideas.
The residency takes place at Stúdíó Handbendi in the village of Hvammstangi, located 200km north of Reykjavík. Hvammstangi is a village of around 600 people. In town you will find a food co-op, public swimming pool, sports centre, an excellent local restaurant, a ´greasy spoon´cafe and gas station, a hospital and pharmacy, museums, a hardware store, a lumber yard, a farm shop, a craft store, and more. The village is active and there are usually quite a few events and community activities taking place. The surrounding area offers complete isolation and endless opportunities to be at rest in nature. We are more than happy to direct you to special interest locations, and even a few of our favorite secret places to decompress, rejuvenate, and be inspired.
The residency is loosely structured with 1 set event each month. This can be free-format artists' presentations, artist-led workshops with community groups, or a public studio event. We manage these on a case-by-case basis, the town is small but the opportunities for creative sharing and use of space are limitless. “Pop Up” exhibitions are a good opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their community reach.
In order to keep our residency fees low and artistic freedom high, the team provides accessory site support: we are on the sideline to assist with any logistical issues or artistic questions that arise as needed. Our role in the residency more as supporters rather than managers or administrators.
The residency includes:
Residency fees are based on company size and number of rooms required. A company of two in a double occupancy room for example would be 1500 euro per month. Additional company members would then have their accommodation added on, but no additional costs for studio space would apply. Accommodation prices vary throughout the year and according to group size. Once you apply we will provide you with the available options. We are happy to provide letters of intent to artists applying for grants to take part in the residency.
Airport transfer can be arranged for a fee, but we recommend you hire a car for the duration of your stay so you have freedom to move and explore the countryside on your own timeline. There are no car hire facilities within any reasonable distance to the residency.
To learn more, please download our FAQ and guidelines.
The residency takes place at Stúdíó Handbendi in the village of Hvammstangi, located 200km north of Reykjavík. Hvammstangi is a village of around 600 people. In town you will find a food co-op, public swimming pool, sports centre, an excellent local restaurant, a ´greasy spoon´cafe and gas station, a hospital and pharmacy, museums, a hardware store, a lumber yard, a farm shop, a craft store, and more. The village is active and there are usually quite a few events and community activities taking place. The surrounding area offers complete isolation and endless opportunities to be at rest in nature. We are more than happy to direct you to special interest locations, and even a few of our favorite secret places to decompress, rejuvenate, and be inspired.
The residency is loosely structured with 1 set event each month. This can be free-format artists' presentations, artist-led workshops with community groups, or a public studio event. We manage these on a case-by-case basis, the town is small but the opportunities for creative sharing and use of space are limitless. “Pop Up” exhibitions are a good opportunity for anyone wishing to expand their community reach.
In order to keep our residency fees low and artistic freedom high, the team provides accessory site support: we are on the sideline to assist with any logistical issues or artistic questions that arise as needed. Our role in the residency more as supporters rather than managers or administrators.
The residency includes:
- accommodation with private bedroom, wifi, kitchen and bathroom facilities are either private (when available) or shared with other residents. Family facilities are possible to be arranged in advance. Towels and linens are provided. Food, toiletries, etc. are the responsibility of the visiting artists.
- studio theatre space for rehearsals, trying ideas, or general daily practice
- workshop space and basic tools
- networking opportunities
- a public showcase or presentation and the marketing of the event
- community events to support interaction with local residents
- professional support/guidance upon request
- technical support and use of basic theatrical equipment upon request
- support with funding applications relevant to the residency project
Residency fees are based on company size and number of rooms required. A company of two in a double occupancy room for example would be 1500 euro per month. Additional company members would then have their accommodation added on, but no additional costs for studio space would apply. Accommodation prices vary throughout the year and according to group size. Once you apply we will provide you with the available options. We are happy to provide letters of intent to artists applying for grants to take part in the residency.
Airport transfer can be arranged for a fee, but we recommend you hire a car for the duration of your stay so you have freedom to move and explore the countryside on your own timeline. There are no car hire facilities within any reasonable distance to the residency.
To learn more, please download our FAQ and guidelines.