Artist Funding in Iceland
Arts councils, grants, and funding bodies for artists
Artist House Bethanien Residency for Icelandic Artists (Künstlerhaus Bethanien Agreement)
Through a five-year agreement (currently 2020–2025), the Icelandic Art Center funds annual residencies for Icelandic artists at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin. The residency provides a private studio, access to workshops and libraries, and often the option of living in the studio, plus integration into Bethanien’s international program. It is aimed at mid-career Icelandic or Iceland-based artists and offers substantial in-kind support and visibility rather than a large cash grant.
Artists' Salary Fund (Listamannalaun)
The Artists’ Salary Fund is a state system of artist income support that awards salaried working periods to independent artists across eight sub-funds, including visual artists. These grants function like a guaranteed income for a set number of months, allowing artists to focus on their work without project-based constraints. Awards are competitive, based on artistic merit and work plans, and recipients must submit progress reports to remain eligible for future funding.
Icelandic Art Center (Íslensk listasetur)
The Icelandic Art Center promotes and supports Icelandic contemporary visual art internationally and operates three main funds: the Visual Arts Fund, travel grants, and the Artist House Bethanien residency scheme. It primarily supports Iceland-based visual artists with project grants for exhibitions, publications, research, and international collaboration, as well as mobility support and long-term residencies in Berlin. Typical grants range from small preparatory support to larger exhibition and publication grants, with total annual allocations in the hundreds of thousands of USD equivalent.
Icelandic Children’s Culture Fund (Barnamenningarsjóður)
Administered by Rannís, the Children’s Culture Fund supports cultural projects for and with children and young people, including visual arts projects such as workshops, exhibitions, and participatory art. According to Nordic analysis data it typically receives over 100 applications yearly and funds around one third, with total allocations in the hundreds of thousands of euros equivalent. Visual artists can apply if their project clearly targets children’s culture and education.
Nordic Culture Point – Nordic-Baltic Mobility and Culture Funding
Nordic Culture Point manages several pan-Nordic funding programmes that Iceland participates in, supporting mobility, residencies, and collaborative projects among artists from Nordic and Baltic countries. Visual artists can access travel and project grants to collaborate with Icelandic partners, present work in Iceland, or host Icelandic artists abroad. Grants vary from small travel stipends to larger project funding, and international (from other Nordic/Baltic countries) artists are explicitly eligible when partnering within the region.
Regional Cultural Development Funds (Uppbyggingarsjóðir landshluta)
Regional development funds across Iceland (administered via regional offices and supported by the Icelandic Regional Development Institute) co-fund local cultural and creative projects, including exhibitions, festivals, and artist-led initiatives in the visual arts. Nordic data indicates these funds collectively handle hundreds of applications annually and grant several million euros equivalent, with individual grants generally modest but impactful at local scale. Artists working outside Reykjavík, or on regionally anchored projects, can use these as key production supports.
Reykjavík City Culture Office / Reykjavík City Cultural Grants
The City of Reykjavík, which dedicates a significant share of its municipal budget to culture, offers grants for artistic projects, festivals, and initiatives that take place within the city. Visual artists and collectives can apply for production and exhibition support, often tied to specific venues, neighborhoods, or cultural programs. Grant sizes vary but are generally suited to small and mid-scale projects, and local impact or engagement with Reykjavík’s cultural life is important.
Salary Fund for Visual Artists (Launasjóður myndlistarmanna)
As part of the Artists’ Salary Fund system, the Salary Fund for Visual Artists specifically supports professional visual artists with long- or short-term working grants. Funding is paid as a monthly salary for a designated period (often several months up to a year or more), intended to cover living expenses while the artist focuses on development, production, or research. Applicants must demonstrate a strong artistic practice and provide a clear work plan.
Travel Grants for Visual Artists (Icelandic Art Center)
The travel grants run by the Icelandic Art Center support professional visual artists based in Iceland who have confirmed exhibitions or professional presentations abroad. Funding is intended to ease mobility and can cover travel, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses for artists presenting their work internationally. Grants are modest but practical, usually covering basic travel and stay costs rather than full project budgets.
Visual Arts Fund (Myndlistarsjóður)
The Visual Arts Fund is a national fund operating under the Visual Arts Act No. 64/2012 and administered by the Icelandic Art Center. It supports visual artists and curators in Iceland through project grants for exhibitions, research, publications, and other visual arts projects, often divided into preparatory, small- and large-exhibition grants and other categories. In 2019, 129 projects shared around 50.4 million ISK (approx. 318,000 USD), with individual grants typically in the low to mid thousands of euros equivalent.
Artist Residencies in Iceland
21 residencies listed
Fish Factory Creative Centre
Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland
The Fish Factory Creative Centre in Stöðvarfjörður, Iceland, is a beacon of creativity and sustainability nestled in a remote village within the East fjords. Established in 2011 through the transformation of an abandoned fish factory, this non-profit cooperative has become a hub for artists across various disciplines. The Centre emphasizes sustainable practices and community collaboration, aiming to rejuvenate the village by attracting creative individuals and fostering cultural and economic growth. It offers year-round art residencies, workshops, and cultural events, supporting both emerging and established artists. The renovation of the facility is an ongoing testament to the dedication of the core team and volunteers, reflecting the community's resilience and innovative spirit. The Centre's vision extends beyond artistic creation, aspiring to inspire similar initiatives that strengthen remote communities through creativity and cultural engagement.
SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)
Reykjavik, Iceland
The SÍM Residency, an initiative of SÍM - The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists, stands as a beacon of artistic growth and cultural immersion in Reykjavik, Iceland. Founded by SÍM, Iceland's largest organization for professional artists, the residency upholds the association’s commitment to enhancing artists' livelihoods and rights. Evolving from a modest apartment to a hub hosting international artists, it has become Reykjavik's most established and inspirational artist residency. With locations at Seljavegur in the bustling city center and Korpúlfsstaðir on the serene outskirts, the residency offers diverse environments for artistic work, housing around 70 studios including specialized facilities for Textiles, Ceramics, and Printmaking. This setup fosters a dynamic and collaborative community, enabling artists to engage deeply with their practice. SÍM Residency’s commitment to international exchange is evident in its numerous partnerships across Europe, promoting a global artistic dialogue and collaboration. Participating artists benefit from a range of programs, including public events and solo exhibitions, while also enjoying privileged access to Reykjavik’s prominent cultural institutions through the SÍM Guest Artist card.
NES Artist Residency
Skagaströnd, Iceland
The NES Artist Residency in Skagaströnd, Iceland, offers a flexible and supportive environment for artists from around the world. The residency hosts 9-12 artists monthly, encouraging stays of two months or more for an immersive experience. NES provides individual workspaces in shared studios, with specific facilities for writers, dancers, performers, and musicians. The residency features two monthly events: free format artist presentations and public open studio events, with support for pop-up exhibitions. While the residency does not include structured programming, the NES team assists with logistical and artistic support as needed. The family-friendly residency offers various accommodation options, including single and double rooms, a private dance studio, and a three-bedroom apartment for families. NES operates year-round, welcoming artists of all disciplines to engage in a creative community surrounded by Iceland’s stunning natural landscape.
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art
Seyðisfjörður, Iceland
Skaftfell Center for Visual Art, situated in the quaint town of Seyðisfjörður, Iceland, serves as a pivotal cultural hub in East Iceland's visual arts scene. With a focus on self-directed residencies, Skaftfell provides a tranquil environment where artists are encouraged to explore their creative processes and engage deeply with their work, free from the rapid pace of urban art districts. The residency program accommodates individual artists and artist groups across multiple disciplines, offering facilities for visual arts, printmaking, and interdisciplinary practices. The residencies are housed within three historic buildings offering a blend of private and shared accommodations, aimed at fostering a communal and collaborative atmosphere among up to four artists at a time. Each space is equipped with essential amenities and work areas conducive to artistic creation and research. Although Skaftfell does not currently offer fully funded residencies, it strives to maintain accessible fees and provides a list of external funding opportunities to prospective applicants. Artists benefit from the opportunity to present their work through open studios, artist talks, or workshops, and can integrate into the local community via various cultural engagements organized by the center. The program's integration within the local educational and cultural fabric, along with its stunning natural surroundings, makes it an ideal setting for artists seeking a reflective and enriching residency experience.
Akureyri Art Museum / Akureyri municipality
Iceland
Name of Residency: Artist Residency at the Akureyri Art Museumthe residency consists of an apartment with two bedrooms, sleeping space for 4 persons and a studio for 2-4 people. A possibility of open studio/exhibition during the stay. Also a workspace/office with one bed.Residency Programme since: 2019Description of Organisation: A small art museum located in north Iceland, in the town of Akureyri and run by the municipalityOrganisation founded in: 1993What type of organisation are you?:MuseumWo
Baer Art Center
Hofsos, Iceland
Baer Art Center in Hofsos, Iceland, offers two-week residency sessions for visual artists, architects, and designers, hosting groups of five participants from diverse nationalities in a stunning natural setting on a seaside farm overlooking Skagafjördur fjord. The program provides first-class accommodations, private studios, and uninterrupted time to foster creative dialogue and inspiration from the Icelandic landscape, with participants responsible for fees, travel, and materials. Sessions typically occur in summer under the midnight sun, emphasizing short stays and thematic workshops.