Nes Long-Term Artist Residency — Cultural Exchange

Nes runs a self-directed, self-funded artist residency in the coastal village of Skagaströnd in northwest Iceland. It hosts 9–12 international artists each month, with participants working across creative disciplines in shared facilities.

Residents receive accommodation and an individual workspace while developing their own practice in monthly blocks of one to six months. Orientation, artist talks and an end-of-month open studio provide optional points of exchange with fellow residents and the local community.

Benefits & funding

The residency fee includes accommodation, an individual workspace, utilities, Wi-Fi, linens, towels, laundry facilities, shared kitchen equipment, artist-talk and open-studio coordination, and limited creative or technical support.
For 2027, a single room with a shared open-plan studio workspace or library access costs €900 per month from September through May and €1,000 per month from June through August; other room and studio arrangements have separate published prices.
Food, art materials, travel, insurance and other living costs are not included. Nes does not currently offer general scholarships or stipends.
The SlideRoom application fee is US$15 or €13.

Eligibility

Artists working in any field and from any background may apply.
The official eligibility page publishes no degree, age, nationality, residency or work-experience restriction; English fluency is not required.
Proposed work must be feasible within Nes facilities. Shared studios restrict flammable, toxic and dust-producing materials, and there is currently no kiln for firing ceramics.
Applicants should assess the remote, self-directed setting and accessibility before applying; Nes states that its facilities are not currently wheelchair accessible.

Can you apply?

Open to all applicants

No nationality, residency, education, or experience limits are listed.

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Application process

1
Review the facilities, residency structure, fees and accessibility information, then check the available months on the SlideRoom form.
2
Submit the SlideRoom application and pay the US$15 or €13 platform fee.
3
Describe the proposed materials, process and intention clearly, including any facility needs.
4
If accepted, review the contract for the confirmed residency dates and fee-payment details.

Program timeline

Year-round
Applications are accepted for available months shown on the SlideRoom form.
Upon acceptance
The contract confirms residency dates and payment details.
Arrival
Residents attend an orientation to the accommodation, studio, town and safety expectations.
Early each month
Nes schedules artist talks.
Final weekend of each month
Nes holds a two-hour public open studio.
Residency period
Stays run for one to six monthly blocks, with each month lasting about 28 days.