Frequently Asked Questions

See also: Accessibility

When can I apply?
Nes accepts applications year-round, and you can find available months indicated on our application form, where you can also apply to be contacted in the event of last minute cancellations if your desired months are unavailable.

Can I find art supplies in Skagaströnd?
Nes does not provide art supplies although we have a small storage room of art materials left behind by previous artists. We recommend bringing all necessary materials with you, or sending them before your arrival. There are art supply stores in Reykjavík and Akureyri; you can place an order with them and have it delivered to NES, or pick up on your way here.

Does Nes have free WiFi?
Yes, there is WiFi in the shared and private studios, research library, music school, and housing accommodations.

Which living expenses do residents pay? What is the average cost per month to live in Skagaströnd?
The residency fee covers your accommodation, studio space, and includes all utilities, electricity, heating, water, WiFi, plus linens and towels etc. We supply some staple items such as toilet paper, hand, dish, and dishwasher soap, trash bags, and house cleaning supplies. All other costs are the responsibility of the artist. We recommend budgeting a minimum of 15,000 – 25,000 ISK per week for food in Skagaströnd. You may wish to budget for trips out of town and exploring Iceland. Once you have connected with your fellow artists, sharing a rental car makes trips outside of town more affordable.

What kind of clothing do I need?
The best attitude for Iceland is to prepare for any type of weather. This means layers + waterproof windbreaker and boots in the spring/summer ( 3 to 21 degrees Celsius in April-August) and sweater, waterproof parka, and crampons + boots in the fall/winter (-6  to 7 degrees Celsius in September-March).

Does Nes offer residencies in winter?
Nes operates year-round. We accept applications for one or more months, beginning and ending on the dates issued in your contract. Most month stays are for 28 days, and your residency may start a couple of days into the month and/or finish a day or two earlier than the end of the month.

Are grants or financial assistance available?
Nes is not able to offer scholarships or stipends to artists at this time, unless you have been selected for a particular project for which we have funding. It is advised to seek funding in your home country, since most Icelandic funding is designated for Icelandic projects or artists. View a list compiled by TransArtists for possible funding options.

Can a guest stay with me during my residency?
Guests are welcome if we have an available room. The fee for a guest is 40€ per night. if you are having a partner visit for a week or two it may be wiser to apply for a double room, which will secure the availability of a bed for your guest.

How do I travel from the airport to Nes?
From Keflavík Airport you can take a Flybus or a taxi to Reykjavík, where artists usually stay overnight before traveling on to NES the following day. Travel to Skagaströnd via rental car or Stræto Bus #57 (from Mjódd station), which travels between Reykjavik and Blönduós (4 hrs). Stræto Shuttle #84 must be reserved by phone in advance to travel 20 min from Blönduós to Skagaströnd. Please note there is no taxi service in the Skagaströnd area.

Is there public transportation in Skagaströnd?
There is one shuttle, #84 that travels back and forth between Skagaströnd and Blönduós twice a day, but it must be reserved in advance by calling the Strætó bus company. Within town (about 2 km wide from one end to the other), most artists travel by walking to studio, grocery store etc. instead of renting a car while in residence.

Do I need a visa?
For some countries a visa is required. For more information please visit Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration.