Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a space? 

All you need to start a space is an instagram account, a facebook page, a name, and idea of how you will work, and someone who will put up some artwork. Optional steps to take are to build a website (we use format because it is cheap and looks nice with very little effort), make a gmail, have a shared google drive. 

What kind of physical space do I need?

Anything will do. There are artist run spaces around the world that are everything from a fridge to a patch of dirt to a laundry room to a garage. All are equally valid and respected. Many artist run spaces have no physical space, and simply take over a place for a few weeks as it becomes available. 

That said, the less that your space resembles a white cube, the more work it will be to consistently have shows that a classic “art” audience will respond to. For example, if you only have fluorescent lighting, many artists will struggle with their work not “looking right.” If you have no walls, painters are going to have to get very creative with their hanging solutions. If you have no permanent space, then you will need to learn the rules and quirks of each new space.  On the other hand, these limitations also become opportunities for new types of work and new audience experiences. For example, Hamraborg Festival and the Factory in Hjalteyri both consistently have unique and innovative exhibitions.  

How do I get people to come to my shows? 

Advertise your show as an event on facebook, promote it on instagram, and reach out to Grapevine and the Icelandic Art Center to post your event. If you are looking to get outside audiences in your space, consider posting in other facebook groups, and posting physical posters in different locations. That said, 90% of the people who show up will almost always be the friends and acquaintances of the artist. 

How do I get funding to pay the rent for my space?

The simple answer is that you don’t. No artist run space that I know of consistently receives enough money to cover rent. Most artist run spaces that don’t charge their artists rely on having a free space (like us, or Gallery Underpass), operating out of a space that they would pay for anyway (like an apartment; Annabelle’s Home or studio; Associates) or having no fixed space at all (Hamraborg Festival, Open Open Open, AVAIG)

We have so many artist run spaces here, why should I start one? 

This is an excellent question, and one that has several answers. First of all, there are far more artists that slots available to show work. Most open calls here receive 70 to 300 responses for only a few slots. A lot of talented artists simply never get shown, and never get to start their careers because there are not enough spaces available for someone to take a chance on them. Secondly, whether this is morally right or wrong, each space tends to operate within a specific circle, whether that is friendship, generation, geographic location, or similar ideas. If you notice that people within your circle are not getting shown, your options are either to try to infiltrate another circle or start a space of your own. Finally, having a space is a relatively simple way to give back to your community, and to maintain relevance within the arts-scene. 

Where can I see a list of other spaces?

The artist run association of Iceland (a private facebook group you apply to) has one list and the Iceland art center has another! 

https://www.icelandicartcenter.is/venues-1?venue-types=arti 

Do I need a Kennitala? Do I need to register something officially to start?

Most artist-run spaces do not get a kennitala or register officially for at least a year after opening. This is because almost all of them register as a cooperative, for which you need several hundred thousand kroner in a bank account. You do not need this registration to apply to most 

Do I need a contract? 

Yes. You should have a contract. It helps everyone understand what is expected of them. For an example of Kannski’s contract, email us. 

Should I ask artists to pay? Should I pay artists? 

This is a question that every space comes to their own decision about. Often, it is a tie between morality and practicality. Artist’s paying advantages; it is the only way that most spaces are able to pay rent (if they are running out of  a space they need to pay for). It also means that artists are less likely to bail at the last minute, and it lets you pay for damage that might be done to the space, or the weird costs that come up (like transporting a very large carpet to Sorpa). However, asking artist’s to pay also limits the perceived prestige of your space, and it’s accessibility to artists outside of a certain socioeconomic background. If you can financially afford to, the best course of action is to pay your artists. This helps encourage the view of art as work/labor, and encourages artists to act professionally. 

If your space decides not to charge artists, or to pay them very little, we recommend charging a deposit which is returned after the work is deinstalled. This will help prevent artists from bailing, and will let you recuperate from any overwhelming damage done to your space. 

How many people do I need?

At least one! But it is a lot of work. Most spaces have 2-5 people as their key team.

How many shows should I have?

Do not have more than one show a month. Remember, even if your show is only up for a weekend, you still need to account for promoting the show, installing, and deinstalling. We recommend having between 3 and 12 shows a year. 

What materials do I need?

You really don’t need much of anything to start a space. However, here are the items we have found most helpful when we started without any funding, the useful items we bought, and the items that are on our “purchase soon list” 

What we started with in our first year:

• Paint the color of your walls (20,000)
• Drill/hammer (already had)
• Screws/nails (3,000)
• Artist’s gum/alien tape (a very thick clear tape that can come off of works) (5000)
• Access to a basic printer to print handouts (already had)
• A folding chair (already had)
• Cleaning supplies (5000)
• Stick on vinyl letters with the name of our space (3,000)
• A few boxes to hold things, and to stack up to put drinks on (3000)

Most useful purchases/finds

• A bench (gifted to the space)
• Gallery lighting (purchased on sale for 4500
• Stick on lights and batteries 5000
• Small ladder
• Pedestals (made/sourced)
• Projector (25000)
• Small screen (5000)

What we want: 

• Laser
• Protective floor vinyl coating

Who will help me start a space? 

Most people who run a space will be happy to share ideas and what they've learned with you. However, remember, running a space is often people's third or fourth priority, behind their own practice, their money-making job, and their personal life. Do not feel sad if people take a long time to respond to messages/emails. 

For most of the heavy-lifting for starting a space, pull on your own circle. Don't be afraid to ask family and freinds to lend a hand. These are community spaces, after all. 

What king organization do I need to do before I start?

Well, we are a fairly organized space, so we probably will recommend a little more organization than most. All you really need is a name, a logo, and an instagram and facebook page. However, it is also very helpful to have the following: 

• A list of what is not allowed in your space (artists are limit-pushers by nature, so consider things like, open fire, loud sounds, temperature, mold, etc).
• Measurements of your space
• A website. We use format because it is cheap and looks professional without too much hassle. 
• A general idea of your hours and when you will be open
• A list of what your space has available in terms of installation materials and tools. 
• A general idea of the artist and gallery are each responsible for. Do you help with installation? Do you print posters? Do you design posters? Do you make handouts? Do you photograph the show? Do you help with deinstallation? Do you promote the shows? Do you select specific works to show? Do you sit the shows? Do you supply drinks and snacks at the opening? 
• Consider how you can make your space as accessible as possible within your financial and time limitations? Will your shows be wheelchair accessible? What languages will your titles/texts/events be in? Do you have any limitations on content or themes?

Funding options

Iceland Art Center Project Funding

In our experience, this grant works best for a series of shows/event series, and is best to apply to once you have a year or two under your belt. It is also very far from certain

Iceland Art Center Artist Salary

Your role running a space cannot be officially taken into consideration when applying to this grant

Neighborhood grants

These are your best, most likely option for getting funding for an emerging space

City cultural grants

These pay a little more than neighborhood grants, and are a bit more competitive. However, they are a far better bet than project funding

Children's fund

This is a good bet if you are applying to a project that interacts with children (for example, a festival, specific show, etc)

Young people's fund

If you are under 25, this funding is applicable