Skaftfell’s thematic residencies aim to create platforms for exchange, discussion, and collaboration amongst fellow artists from various disciplines, who share a professional interest in the residency’s topic, both on a practical and a conceptual level, and who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise.

Printing Matter is a three-week intensive program for 6-8 artists, focusing on printmaking and artist book making. In 2019 it will be taking place for the fourth time. The program is developed and guided by the Danish artist and graphic designer Åse Eg Jørgensen. It includes group workshops, independent research and practice, and an informal final presentation. Working facilities and printmaking equipment are made available through the collaboration between Skaftfell and the Technical Museum of East Iceland in Seyðisfjörður. The printing presses are museum pieces: three hand-driven presses that were donated to the museum by Swiss/German artist Dieter Roth. There is a letterpress proofing press (width max 48cm) and a selection of type (lead), a small intaglio press (width max 30cm) and an old lithographic press (35x45cm) with a small selection of stones.

The main focus of Printing Matter is the exploration of various “old-school” printing and bookbinding techniques, experimenting with ink, paper, type, binding, folding, and sewing. The workshop sessions are hands-on and experimental, as well as discursive. Selected texts act as foundation for discussions on printed matter and printed multiples in their art historical context, and the artists present their practices to the group in short artist talks. At the end of the program, the results will be presented to the public in an informal exhibition.

Accommodation and working spaces ----
Artists-in-residence for Printing Matter stay in various apartments throughout the town, all within short walking distance to Skaftfell and to each other. The houses are set up as shared self-catering accommodation, each including private bedrooms, shared livingroom, bathroom and kitchen, working tables, washing machine, and WiFi. Shared working spaces with individual working desks for all participants will be set up in the Skaftfell studio and at the Technical Museum.

Costs for the artist ----
Residency fee, travel costs, and meals will be paid by the artist. The residency fee is 180,000 ISK. It includes full tuition, shared self-catering accommodation, access to shared working spaces and equipment, basic printmaking materials, access to WiFi, and general and PR support from Skaftfell staff.

Application ----
Please submit your application using the thematic residency application form on our website. More information here. At the top of the form you will be able to select which thematic residency you want to apply for. Required attachments (pdf):

Portfolio of 5-10 images, showing a selection of previous projects/works that are relevant to your interest in the thematic residency;
CV.