Textile Residencies in Iceland

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.

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.

The Icelandic Textile Center

Blönduós, Iceland

The Icelandic Textile Center, located in Blönduós, Iceland, is a prominent institution for textile arts and research. It is housed in a historic building, the former Women's College in Blönduós, and focuses on fostering collaboration and research in textiles and regional development. The center offers a residency program, Ós Residency, which accepts submissions from textile artists and scholars throughout the year. Additionally, the center is involved in distance education services and supervises the "Námsver." The TextileLab at the Icelandic Textile Center is a significant feature, offering access to state-of-the-art digital textile equipment and expertise. This includes two Tc2 digital looms, a felt loom, laser cutter, laser printer, digital embroidery machine, and digital knitting machine. The TextileLab was formally opened in May 2021 by Icelandic ministers and received a development grant from the Icelandic Infrastructure Fund. It is part of the center's ongoing European collaboration CENTRINNO, funded by the Horizon2020 research and innovation program.