Open Call for Artists based in Nordic/Baltic Countries funded by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. This unique two-month residency invites four multidisciplinary artists interested in artistic research and production addressing sustainability, ecology, social equality, and Nordic cultural narratives. Participants will develop individual projects while engaging in studio visits and discussions. Public open studios and talks foster dialogue with local audiences on environmental and social challenges.

The residency programme includes:
​Accommodation and studio facilities
Orientation and introduction meeting
Artist presentation on the SÍM Residency website and social media channels
Opportunities for public presentations and artist talks
Time and space for artistic research, development and production

Duration of residency

January 3rd, 2027 – February 28th, 2027

Accommodation

Private bedroom

Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Artists from diverse fields, including visual arts, performance, sound, digital media, and research, are encouraged to apply. Work Equipment: Artists are responsible for funding their own work equipment and materials. The residency provides basic tools, some IT equipment, and recyclable materials that artists may use freely. Additionally, SÍM Residency can help artists connect with external professional workshops and facilities, such as sculpture studios, Fab Lab, ceramics workshops, dance studios, and sound recording facilities. Please note that additional fees may apply depending on the workshop.   Assistance: Before and during the residency, artists receive guidance from the residency staff. Studio / Workspace Private studio Fees and support

This program is funded by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture. The stipend is 2.000 EUR for the whole period, travel cost 600 EUR and the material cost 500 EUR. Artists are encouraged to seek additional funding from local arts councils or institutions in their home countries if necessary.

Expectations towards the artist

Artists must be able to stay for the whole duration of the residency, attend all meetings, events, and actively participate in the final exhibition. The artist’s project must be documented and published on the SÍM Residency website as part of the SÍM Projects at the end of the residency.

Application information

The residency program is specifically open to artists who reside in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
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Eligible Countries
Artists must be living in one of the following countries or regions:
Nordic Countries: Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland.
Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.
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Ineligible Location: Artists living in Iceland are explicitly excluded from applying, even though Iceland is a Nordic country.

The candidates must have a permanent address in one of the eligible countries.
However, they do not need to be of Nordic or Baltic nationality. This means non-nationals who reside in the eligible countries can also apply.

In short, artists living in the specified Nordic or Baltic regions are eligible for the program, regardless of nationality, provided they meet the application requirements.
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To be considered for the SÍM Residency program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Full Residency Commitment: Candidates must be available to participate in the residency for the entire duration, from January 3rd to February 28th, 2027. Shorter residency periods will not be granted.
Social Engagement and Collaboration:
The residency emphasizes group interaction and creative exchange. Therefore, candidates should demonstrate openness to dialogue, collaboration, and social engagement. We seek artists who are tolerant, accepting, and willing to contribute to a shared creative environment.

Educational Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in visual arts or a similar field (such as art history, curatorial studies, dance, etc.) is required. Equivalent professional experience in the arts will also be considered. Candidates without BA in arts or similar fields, can propose their candidacy, but additionally candidates will have to present a letter of recommendation, from curator, museum or gallery.

Project Proposal: The SÍM Residency is a project-based program, and candidates are expected to submit a proposal for an individual art or research project toward the theme. During the residency, artists will develop and realize this project, with the results or process presented in an exhibition format at the end of the program. In the project proposal, we expect candidates to express their specific interests clearly, explain why this residency program is significant for their career at this point, and demonstrate their openness and desire for collaboration. Candidates must also describe environmentally responsible methods and material choices. 400 words.

English Proficiency:
As the residency involves international participants and activities, candidates must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Participation in Program Activities:
Artists must be able to attend all meetings, events and actively participate in the final exhibition.

Project Documentation:
The artist’s project must be documented and published on the SÍM Residency website as part of the SÍM Projects at the end of the residency.
Artwork Ownership:
Artists are not required to leave any artworks with the residency program after completion.

Remarks on visitors and pets:
The SÍM Residency program is designed to provide artists with a focused and immersive environment, allowing them to fully engage with their work and the collective experience of the residency. To support this goal, we do not allow artists to host visiting guests, family members, or friends in the residency apartment for overnight stays.
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This policy ensures that each artist can remain fully dedicated to their residency without interruptions, fostering an atmosphere of concentration, collaboration, and creative growth among the group. If you wish to host visitors during your time in Iceland, we recommend arranging time with them outside the residency period. Alternatively, guests are welcome to stay at the SÍM Guesthouse located downtown, though please note that guest stays are not covered by the residency grant.
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As much as we love animals, we are unable to host pets in the residency apartments due to strict regulations set by the Food and Veterinary Department.

Accessibility:
We deeply regret that our facilities are not accessible to individuals with disabilities. Due to the same staircase-only access, we are unable to provide accommodations that meet accessibility standards, and government permissions have not been granted to support these needs.
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