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Skammdegi Skammdegi
  • Home
  • The Festival
    • Festival Program ’18
    • Festival Program ’17
    • Festival Program ’16
    • Festival Program ’15
  • Artists 2017-18
    • Artists 2016-17
    • Artists 2015-16
    • Artists 2014-15
  • News
    • On media
  • Plan Your Visit
    • Transportation
    • Accommodation
    • Exploration
    • Practical information

About Skammdegi

Skammdegi in Icelandic means the Dark Winter, a condition that is a yearly right of passage in this part of the world. At it’s darkest on December 21, the mysterious local daylight is present for less than 4 hours, the rest is night. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and looking directly at the Northern Atlantic on the other, Olafsfjordur in North Iceland is the uniquely beautiful location of Listhús. During the months of December and January, the sun never rises higher than the surrounding mountains. The land is covered by a mysterious light reflected from the snow-covered mountains. The atmosphere creates a special environmental and emotional challenge. Local people eager to raise their spirits in the long night light up their houses with colourful lights and celebrate the distinctive Icelandic Christmas traditions till January 6th. As the winter progresses, the sun gradually climbs the mountains until the first ray of sunshine glows on the highest local peak on January 21. By the end of the month the sunshine will once again reach the town itself.

Having recently completed its forth running, Skammdegi Festival has formed a distinct character. Our principal aim of is providing a hospitable environment and a rare atmosphere for artists doing experiments that they cannot implement elsewhere. While the location is remote and doesn’t have the resources present in a larger city, our artists feel the freedom of creation. The residency duration is long enough for artists to explore a new place, establish a new idea and achieve its implementation.

Open Call for application 2018-19

We invite artists that are inspired by minimalism in visual arts, music, dance, theater, and other mediums to respond to the darkest time of the year, winter solstice. Artists will have the opportunity to be secluded, surrounded by mountains and snow, and work in a quiet, creative space for two months. This residency provides a collaborative environment of artists that  encourages community engagement in a variety of ways.

Skammdegi program: 13 December 2018 to 15 February 2019

Skammdegi festival: 7-11 February 2019

Application deadline: 1 May 2018

Feedback from participating artists:

I found that one has a lot of time to think and reflect here (in Ólafsfjörður, Iceland), and the insights gained from that are extremely valuable.

(link to original interview)

Deanna Pizzitelli
photographer/visual artist

It’s been an absolute joy to work at the residency… the darkness outside and the time we spent focused on the work allowed us to develop many new ideas with a refreshed perspective and to collaborate with other artists on a common ground.

(link to original interview)

Passepartout Duo (Italy)
Christopher Salvito (percussionist) & Nicoletta Favari (pianist)
All the feedback from participanting artists

Interview made by Passepartout Duo

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Organized by

Listhus2.ai

 

Supported by

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Supported by

Supporting organizations


Menntaskólinn á Tröllaskaga


Brimnes Hotel & Cabins


Menningarhús
Tjarnarborg

Festival programs

  • 2014-15
  • 2015-16
  • 2016-17
  • 2017-18
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Recent Posts

  • Skammdegi Festival ’18 in N4
  • Video(s) made during Skammdegi 2017-18
  • Photo album of Skammdegi Festival ’18
  • A Little Bit & Slíd
  • All is Particles – Some are Shining

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