The Association of Icelandic Visual Artists (SÍM) was founded in 1982 and today serves as an interest organization with 960 members.
The members of SÍM are either individuals or representatives of professional associations of artists. SÍM serves as an umbrella organization of seven artists’ associations.
It is the largest organization of working artists in Iceland.
The goal of SÍM is to improve the salaries and conditions of artists, look out for their interests and rights. SÍM handles various projects for government agencies, appoints representatives to boards and committees, and gives advices on a variety of issues.
SÍM Residency
SÍM is a non-profit organization without any operating state grants. Currently, SÍM is hosting three locations that are related to the residency program; Hafnarstraeti where the SÍM Gallery, Office and Guesthouse are located, and two residency apartments Seljavegur, which is a 10-minute walk from the city center, and Korpúlfsstaðir, situated on the outskirts of Reykjavik.
Having started in 2002 with a small one-bedroom apartment and studio in downtown Reykjavik, our residency now welcomes over 200 artists from all over the world on an annual basis. It is the oldest artist residency in Reykjavík and has inspired the establishment of many other artist residencies around Iceland.
SÍM offers two different residency locations in Reykjavik area – Seljavegur in downtown Reykjavik and Korpúlfsstaðir set in an idyllic location on the edge of town. The different settings allow us to cater to each artists requirements, giving them the opportunity to choose their location, regarding on their needs and projects.
Seljavegur and Korpúlfsstaðir house around 70 studios used by local artists and three workshop studios for Textiles, Ceramics and the Icelandic Printmakers Association.
Throughout the year SÍM and SÍM Residency host both long and short exchanges, collaborations and partnership projects with cultural institutions and artist organizations from Norway, Finland, Lithuania, Germany, France, and Poland.
In recent years SÍM Residency has received grants from Kknord, enabling SÍM to invite artists from the Nordic and the Baltic countries to stay at the residency.
Studio / Workspace
Seljavegur residency apartment offers artists bedrooms/studios where they work and sleep in the same space. There is also a shared project space in the basement available for bigger projects.
Korpúlfsstaðir’s residency apartment offers 5 bedrooms/studios where artists work and sleep in the same space, 2 rooms with separate studio spaces (on the top floor), and a shared project space. Korpúlfstaðir hosts two workshop studios - textiles, and ceramic.
Work equipment
Artists have to bring their own materials. The residency only provides living and working space. SÍM Residency artists are able to use all the equipment at our partners’ workshops. Availability and payment need to be arranged directly with workshop staff.
The residency can provide two projectors, speakers, headphones, screens and all essential equipment to install artworks at the gallery.
Fees and Support
Artists pay their own expenses including travel, insurance, and living costs.
SÍM Residency does not have a funding body and we are unfortunately unable to offer scholarships or stipends. It is advised that artists seek funding in their own countries since most Icelandic funding is especially for Icelandic projects or artists.
Benefits
For their stay in Reykjavik, each artist receives an SÍM Guest artist card which grants free access to most major art galleries and museums in Iceland, as well as giving discounts at multiple stores and visual arts suppliers.
