Ós Textile Residency is named for its location on the banks of river Blanda, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean; "Ós" = Icelandic for estuary. Ós seeks to promote an atmosphere of creativity, experimentation and reflection for artists and scholars working inside the textile field. We accept submissions from emerging, mid-career, and senior level artists and scholars all year round (open call). The residency is closed in December but otherwise open all year round. We welcome a variety of techniques and methods within textiles, including weaving, digital weaving, fashion design, surface design, embroidery, knitting and felting.
Ós is situated in a historic building and former Women’s College in Blönduós known as Kvennaskólinn, above the Textile Center offices. Ós can accommodate up to 12 artists, with residencies lasting one (minimum) or more months (3 max). Each resident is provided with his/her own bedroom equipped with a small desk and scenic view, access to studio facilities and open plan work space in the communal studio. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. We also offer access to digital equipment in the new Textile Lab (not included in the residency fee!) and private accommodation for groups (4 max.) or individual artists in a newly renovated house located next door.
Artists might also be interested in the Vatnsdæla Tapestry and the Textile Museum in Blönduós. In 2016, we produced a number of short videos on the residency and the region. In walking distance, there is a great gym and heated outdoor pool featuring two hot tubs, sauna and 25m lap pool.
Since it first opened in 2013, Ós has hosted many textile artists and scholars from all around the world. Since 2017, artists in residence are featured in the Ós Residency Catalog. The residency does not offer or facilitate exhibitions on a regular basis, but artists in residence are welcome to initiate open houses, group or solo exhibitions.
More detailed information on the day to day life at the residency, Blönduós, getting here, etc. etc. is provided in our residency Book of Answers.
Email: residency@textilecenter.is