In centuries past, the farmers of Vigur rented out space for small huts and boat shelters along the coast of the island for the purpose of fishing, hunting seals and seabirds, and collecting eggs. While a commercial undertaking, this practice was also considered an act of generosity, enabling others to share in the abundant natural resources of the island. These places were called - Ver.

The Vigur Island Residency seeks to revive the tradition of Ver for the modern age, offering accommodation and workspace to those who wish to engage with the rich natural and historic heritage of Vigur, surrounded by the mighty fjord of Isafjardardjup and the wildness of the Westfjords.

The residency is open to professional artists and practitioners of any discipline, nationality, or career stage. Priority will be given to projects that meaningfully reflect, respond to, or resonate with some aspect of Vigur, its environment, culture or heritage. Applications from photographers, writers and journalists are welcome, but are unlikely to be successful unless the proposed project demonstrates a distinctive or particularly compelling approach. Projects that make use of found, recycled, or waste materials from the island are particularly encouraged.

 Duration

Residencies have a minimum duration of 2 weeks and may extend up to 6 weeks, depending on the nature of the project and availability. Residencies will generally take place between mid-August and mid-September, though alternative periods may be considered where relevant to the proposed project and subject to availability. Initially, one residency will be offered per year.

Application

Applications are submitted online and must include:

1. A project proposal

2. A summary of previous work and relevant experience

3. Any supporting materials requested in the application form

To apply, please complete the following Google Forms application HERE

All applications will receive an email acknowledgement of receipt.

Applications for 2026 will be considered.

Application deadline for 2027 is 30 September 2026.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed qualitatively against the following three criteria:

1. Quality and Strength of the Proposed Project

The application demonstrates a clear, thoughtful, and well-developed project with strong artistic, cultural, or research merit.

2. Connection to Vigur and its Context

The proposal shows meaningful engagement with the landscape, heritage, ecology, history, community, or environment of Vigur and the Westfjords.

3. Feasibility and Residency Engagement

The applicant demonstrates the ability to realise the proposed work within the residency period and to engage constructively with the conditions and opportunities of living and working on the island.

Fees

There is no residency fee to take part. In return, residents are asked to donate one piece of work to the Vigur Island Foundation. Over time, the Foundation aims to establish a collection of works interpreting Vigur, its heritage, and its environment from a wide range of perspectives.

Although funding is not available for chosen artists, the Residency is happy to provide an official letter of invitation which can be used for fundraising.

Provided:

• Basic accommodation consisting of a double bedroom with private kitchen and bathroom.

• Full board for the duration of the residency (the kitchen is stocked with supplies for self-catering and residents are also welcome to join communal meals on the island)

• Transport to and from the island

• WiFi

• Full access to the island

Not Provided:

• Travel to and from Iceland / the residency location

• Artistic supplies or equipment

• Any expenses incurred during the residency except those specifically listed above

Workspace

A small workspace is available adjacent to the accommodation, though alternative working spaces around the island may also be made available for use depending on the needs of the project.

Meet the Judges:

Emilia Telese PhD - Inaugural Resident Artist and Residency Curator

Dr. Emilia Telese is an artist and scholar working between Iceland and the UK. Born in Italy, she graduated with an MA in Painting from the Fine Arts Academy in Florence in 1996. Moved to the UK in 1997, where she subsequently furthered her studies at the University of Brighton (Printmaking), University of Sussex (Arts Management), University of Warwick (Cultural Policy), and University of Loughborough (PhD in Communication and Media). She has exhibited worldwide since 1994, including the Louvre (Paris, 2012), the New Forest Pavilion at the 51st Venice Biennale (Venice, 2005), Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria, 2002-2003), ZKM (Karlsruhe, Germany, 2007), Chashama (New York City, USA, 2008), Centro Cultural Telemar (Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 2010), Manege (St. Petersburg, Russia, 2000), Leeds City Gallery, Artsway (New Forest, UK) and the Freud Museum (London, UK). She has presented her work at major events at Tate Britain, The Royal Festival Hall, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Oxford, Manchester Contemporary, Merchant City Festival, Glasgow, the Brighton Festival, and more.  Alongside her practice, she regularly publishes research papers in art magazines and peer reviewed art publications; she has lectured for distinguished art institutions such as the University of Brighton, The University of the Arts London (Byam Shaw College – Chelsea School of Art – Central St Martins – London College of Communication), The Icelandic University of the ARts and London Metropolitan University, among others. She has served on the board of the Arts Council of England, on the advisory group of Paradox, The European Forum for Fine Art, CCS Creative Cultural Skills, CCS Creative Cultural Skills and more. She is a committee member of Íslensk Grafík, the Icelandic Printmakers Association. www.emiliatelese.com

Hannah Honeywill PhD, MRSS - Guest Judge

Hannah Honeywill is an award-winning artist, she has exhibited widely throughout the UK and Europe, currently completing an artistic research PhD titled, ‘Queer Monumentality: An interrogation into the material embodiment of loss as a queer methodology in artistic research’. She has been the recipient of Wellcome Trust funding and has undertaken residencies at the Barber Institute of Fine Art in Birmingham, Chisenhale Studios in London, and The Red House in Aldeburgh. She is an elected member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and a 2022 British Council Venice Fellow. Hannah Honeywill's art practice combines her skills as both a sculptor and a furniture maker/restorer to make work which reimagines and physically reshapes functional, everyday objects – frequently, but not exclusively, furniture. Her practice develops the argument that the ‘mend’, especially if disruptive of a common sense or expected narrative, will function as a queering tool within art making. 
Alongside making her own work, she has built a strong track record of working imaginatively and empathetically within and alongside communities as artist in residence, mentor and teacher. Hannah is based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. UK. www.hannahhoneywill.co.uk

Felicity Aston - Vigur Island Foundation

Felicity became the owner of Vigur along with her Icelandic husband and family in 2020. She established the Vigur Island Foundation to drive the conservation effort and research work on Vigur. One of the Foundation’s aims is to develop the existing cultural heritage of Vigur in a way that preserves it for the future and makes it more accessible to a wider audience both in Iceland and beyond. The Ver - Vigur Island Residency, is a key initiative to generate a broader engagement with the island, its natural and cultural heritage past and present, its social history and relevance to the modern day, as well as its astonishing wildlife and landscape on the very edge of the Arctic. www.felicityaston.com