SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)
Reykjavik, Iceland

The residence is meticulously organized, offering opportunities to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering organic collaborations and collective projects. For those inclined towards city life and cultural hubs, Seljavegur is an ideal stay, providing larger studios, while the other residence outside Reykjavik offers seclusion, perfect for focused project work. The residency organizers are dedicated, consistently supporting each artist's endeavors and staying abreast of their creative processes. While the residency lacks external funding, it boasts the most affordable rent prices in Reykjavik. I highly recommend this experience, especially if you can secure additional funding. In my case, the financial backing of the European Union made this residency possible.
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More reviews of SIM Residency (SÍM Residency)
SIM is one of the best places to be creative and feel free. The way SIM operates and builds community is another level, which I really appreciate. I hope many artists can experience this.
I speak from the point of view of a dancer. I loved my experience there. It might be tricky for a dancer, since the space itself doesn't have a dance space itself, but they have a good relation with a dance studio 15 min walk away. That should be taken into account when applying for grants, to include the fees of the dance space as well. Everything went very smoothly for me though, and what I created there, I still hold dear in my artistic practice. The rooms where you sleep have a beautiful desk, and space to think with a calm environment. I would advise to go there and I would go back there myself again, as soon as I get the chance.
SÍM residency is run by a group of extremely dedicated and supportive individuals. I was sharing living spaces with a group of about 10 artists from all around the world. As part of the residency program we frequently engaged in pre-programmed (as well as spontaneous) excursions, presentations and artist talks. For the period of a month I felt like I was taken in by a new, small artist family, in which everyone supported and collaborated with each other. I made new friends, I had incredible experiences. SÍM gave advice, support and guidelines on networking, finding the appropriate art materials, traveling in Iceland, and helped in every possible way to keep us comfortable, creative and happy. Would recommend this residency program 100% and would love to go back in the future.
The costs are high, because the island is expensive. You need grants from your country.
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