WHEN CAN I APPLY? NES operates an open call year-round, so you can apply at any time!
ARE YOU STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC? Yes we are! Of course we follow all the rules that are required by our government. Unvaccinated artists are still able to attend but must quarantine for the time required before attending NES. Please note, NES is unable to provide quarantine accommodation. You can find up-to-date information at https://www.covid.is/english. This website is in 12 languages.
HOW EASY IS IT TO ACCESS ART SUPPLIES IN SKAGASTRÖND? NES does not provide art supplies. We do have a small storage room full of odd art materials left behind by previous artists. You are able to access these as you need. We recommend bringing all specific materials with you or sending them before your arrival. There are art stores in Reykjavik: you can make an order with them and have it delivered to NES, or pick up on your way here.
DO YOU HAVE INTERNET ACCESS? Yes, there is wi-fi in the studio and housing accommodations.
WHICH LIVING EXPENSES ARE ARTISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR? WHAT IS THE AVERAGE BUDGET PER MONTH? The residency fee covers your accommodation and studio space and includes all utilities, electricity, heating, water wifi plus sheets and towels etc. We do supply some staple items such as toilet paper, washing up liquid, liquid hand soap and bin bags. All other costs are the responsibility of the artist. It is good to budget with a minimum of 10,000 – 15,000 ISK per week for food in Skagaströnd. Otherwise, all expenses are dependent on what kind of experience you are looking for. It is good to budget for trips out of town and exploring Iceland. Once here and you have connected with your fellow artists, sharing the costs of a hire car makes trips outside of town more affordable.
WHAT KIND OF CLOTHING SHOULD I BRING? The best attitude for Iceland is to be prepared for anything. This means layers, and good basics for both warm and cold weather in the summer and lots of layering and cold weather gear for a stay in the winter.
DO YOU OFFER RESIDENCIES IN THE WINTER? NES operates all year round. We accept applications for 1 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 ANY OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE? NES does not have a funding board or body attached to it. We do not offer scholarships or stipends to artists unless you have been selected for a particular project for which we have funding. It is advised you seek funding in your own country, most Icelandic funding is especially for Icelandic projects or artists.
CAN I HAVE A GUEST STAY DURING MY RESIDENCY? Guests are welcome if we have an available room, there is no guarantee. The fee for a guest is 35€ per night, if you are having a partner visit for a week or two it can be cheaper to apply for a double room (room with 2 beds) and this will secure the availability of a bed for your guest.
HOW DO I TRAVEL FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE NES ARTIST RESIDENCY? You can hire a car or take the #57 bus. Once you have been accepted to the residency and a few weeks before your start date you will receive detailed information from NES about where and how to take the bus north.
DO I NEED A VISA? For some countries a visa is required, for detailed information about who needs, or does not need a VISA, please visit Iceland’s Directorate of Immigration. https://utl.is/index.php/en/visa
