Long Term Residency
Nes is a process-oriented residency that strives to cultivate an environment where artists of all disciplines, both emerging and professional, craft their experience as they choose; whether through experimentation and intervention, conceptual development, or research, Nes gives artists latitude to explore at their own pace. We work to create a safe haven where all mediums, intellectual pursuits, artistic methods, and aesthetic inquiry are encouraged and celebrated.
As a remote residency located in a unique, challenging, and stunning landscape, Nes motivates artists to draw inspiration from the solitude (and presence) provided by the surrounding environment. Beyond the studio walls, Nes aims to provide opportunities for international dialogue, regional development, and local arts programing. Nes is deeply rooted in the community of Skagaströnd, and values collaboration of all kinds. We invite visitors to join us with a sense of curiosity and openness to connect with this extraordinary place through cultural exchange and artistic development.
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
Artists working in any field, from any background can apply for a residency at Nes. Please review our facilities to make sure your practice is suited to our spaces. Nes provides all residents with an individual workspace within a shared open plan studio. Writers have the opportunity to work in the Research Library, dancers and performers the Dance Studio, and musicians can access the local music school. While we strive to remove barriers to access, Nes may not currently be accessible to everyone, so please read our Accessibility Statement. Read more about the residency structure here.
The residency fee for one artist is approx. €33 per day (excluding travel and other living expenses).
In addition to workspace + accommodation, residency fee includes:
• Use of supply room with various materials and tools
• Use of screening room/projector
• Utilities: Wi-Fi, heat, water, and electricity in house and studio
• Linens and towels
• Kitchen utensils and equipment
• Cleaning equipment and supplies
• Washing machine/dryer
• Artist talk and Open Studio coordination
• Additional guidance, exhibition, studio, and tech support
• Sauna (if staying in Fellsbraut 2 residence)
Residency Fee Does Not Include:
• Food
• Art materials
• Travel expenses, including insurance
• Misc living expenses
2027 Fees (Sept-May)
900€ per month (single room and one work space in the shared open plan studio) or Library (for writers and researchers)
1050€ per month (single room and one work space in the shared open plan studio with access to the Music School and piano)
1300€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and one work space in the shared open plan studio) or Library (for writers and researchers)
500€ per month (single room and private studio suitable for performers, musicians, dancers)
1550€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and private studio suitable for performers, musicians, dancers)
1500€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and two work spaces in the shared open plan studio) or (Library for writers and researchers)
2900€ per month 3 bedroom apartment (if available) suitable for families, and 1 studio space in the open plan communal studio or library (for writers and researchers).
2027 Summer Fees (June, July, August)
1000€ per month (single room and one work space in the shared open plan studio) or Library (for writers and researchers)
1150€ per month (single room and one work space in the shared open plan studio with access to the Music School and piano)
1550€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and one work space in the shared open plan studio with access to the Music School and piano)
1400€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and one work space in the shared open plan studio) or Library (for writers and researchers)
1550€ per month (single room and private studio suitable for performers, musicians, dancers)
1650€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and private studio suitable for performers, musicians, dancers)
1600€ per month (bedroom for 2 persons and two work spaces in the shared open plan studio) or (Library for writers and researchers)
3200€ per month 3 bedroom apartment (if available) suitable for families, and 1 studio space in the open plan communal studio or library (for writers and researchers).
Detailed information about paying the residency fee will be included in your contract upon acceptance. Nes can receive bank transfers in ISK, EURO, or USD, as well electronic payments via Wise or or Rapyd (although Rapyd incurs 30 euro fee). The residency fee is not monetarily equivalent to on-site support & accommodation, and the residency contract is not a rental or tenant agreement.
Double room with private bathroom and shared kitchen at Salthús Guesthouse available on request, price varies depending on time of year, (these rooms are not available during the summer months). Contact nes@neslist.is for more information.
With support from our local municipality, Nes works to keep the fees as low as possible. We encourage artists to apply for funding in their home country. Please view resources compiled by Dutch Culture | TransArtists. Since Nes does not receive a general operating grant we cannot offer full fellowships or or stipends to residents unless selected for a particular project for which we have funding.
Accessibility
Nes is not currently wheelchair accessible, although artists with limited mobility can stay on the ground floor of the artist house with fellow residents, and work in the shared studio 310 meters from this residence. The shared studio contains no stairs, but does not have on-grade entrances due to raised door threshholds. In winter the town sidewalks remain icy and dangerous to pedestrians, and shoe micro-spikes or crampons are necessary.
Please see our accessibility statement.
Housing & Accomodation
In the shared artist residence at Fellsbraut 2 there are common living room, dining room, bathroom, and kitchen spaces. In addition there is a sauna on the 3rd floor.
Studio & Facilities
Nes artists share an open-plan studio located in a former fish freezer The main area is approximately 19.5 x 11.5 meters and is divided into 10-12 workspaces. It is a fluid space that artists can shape to their individual needs, and serves as the location of our monthly open studio events. The studio also contains a kitchen, WC, and small library where you can browse books by Nes residents.
We provide each artist with worktable, chair, table lamp, and shelving. As the studio is shared and located close to the ocean, harsh chemicals and solvents like turpentine (especially harmful to aquatic life) are not permitted in the studio, and we ask artists to use non-toxic materials and avoid strong fragrances. While the open plan studio at Fjörubraut 8 is our main workspace with 24-hour access, we additionally provide specialized workspaces for writers, dancers and sound artists/musicians.
In the studio we have as small manual etching press, sewing machine, and selection of tools available in the studio supply room, including easels, drills, saws, jigsaw, hammers, pliers and screw drivers), and video projectors. We store art materials donated by past residents; although we suggest artists bring necessary materials with them. We plan to create a dedicated ceramics workspace for an electric kiln, but at the moment we have no kiln available, although artists can use clay in other ways. A pottery wheel and basic clay tools (scrapers, wire cutters, wooden boards etc.) are available.
Both artists and writers can use our laserjet printer for black&white images and text.
Attached to the studio is Frystibíó, a versatile screening and performance space accessed daily by residents.
Within the Nes studio is a former fish freezer, a versatile 8 x 5.5 meter space used daily by residents as an exhibition space for screenings, performances, installations, brainstorming, projections, or light-based work. The room is almost completely dark when doors are closed. We use this space every month for Artist Talks and Open Studios and occasionally program public screenings and events in this space.