Neskaupstaður Residency

Sykes has been invited to reside in Neskaupstaður (pop. 1400), Iceland, for one month as a designer-in-residence working alongside local residents, visiting designers, and regional Austurland partners. She sees this residency as the continuation of a long-term relationship and a continued exchange amongst rural practitioners and residents.

Many rural communities in the American West and East Iceland have struggled for decades with population decline, mitigating destination development, and an uncertain economic future (often dependent on corporations). Though these towns share many challenges, all are rich in culture, untapped-potential, natural resources, mythology, history, and all the reasons we love rural places. Epicenter Principal Maria Sykes is honored to be invited to continue her ongoing research and to better connect Green River and rural towns in Austurland (East Iceland).

During this short residency in Neskaupstaður, Sykes will share both Epicenter’s and her personal resources, lessons learned, best practices, strategic planning advice, etc. with the town’s leaders, youth, consultants, and other visiting artists/designers through a series of conversations, community meetings, and intimate workshops. Sykes will document East Iceland’s rural communities and initiatives for Epicenter’s internal use. Similar to her first visit to Iceland, employees and local Epicenter partners will be invited to a presentation of her time in Iceland upon her return. Ultimately, we hope to host rural Icelanders in Green River in the near future!