Community, arts & wellbeing

Students from the Master's program in Arts and Welfare at the Iceland Academy of the Arts are a diverse group of professionals who are interested in developing ways to use the arts for the benefit of society and wellnes, as well as improving access and increasing participation by different groups in art projects and events.
The program will include short pieces and experiments as well as presentations of research.
Professionals working in the welfare sector are especially encouraged to attend.

Further information about the event:

Arts and Wellbeing as a Political Force

What if art ran for office?

Arts and Welfare transforms into a political force where art campaigns on a platform of warmth, trust, respect, accessibility, empathy, and creative joy—policies for a gentler society.

Visitors are invited to explore the Art Party’s manifesto, watch campaign videos, create protest signs, and contribute ideas to the party platform by placing suggestions in the ballot box. Guests can also take part in activities that demonstrate how the arts can foster connection, open dialogue, and support wellbeing, community, and health.

We ask:

What does art and creativity do for you?

What could it do if it had more space in society?

How can the arts influence people's wellbeing and health?

Programme

13:00 – Doors Open

13:20 – Open Dance Session with Seiglan

Led by Sunneva Líf Albertsdóttir and Hrafnhildur Einarsdóttir.

14:00 – Singing and Music

Led by Lovísa Elísabet Sigrúnardóttir, Unnur Þorgeirsdóttir, and Hafdís Huld Þrastardóttir.

14:30 – Graduation Project Presentations

Presentations by the first graduating cohort of the MA programme in Arts and Welfare.

15:15 – Fooling Around

The impact of playful, unserious games on adults.

Led by Alexía Björg Jóhannesdóttir.

16:00 – Panel Discussion

What role should the arts play within the welfare system?

Moderated by Adda Rut Jónsdóttir.

Panelists:

Kolbrún Dögg Kristjánsdóttir – playwright, disability artist, and holder of nearly five university degrees.

Elín Ebba Ásmundsdóttir – Executive Director of Hlutverkasetur, with extensive experience in using the creative arts in welfare and health.

Kristín Valsdóttir – Professor in the Department of Art Education at the Iceland University of the Arts and Programme Director of the MA in Arts and Welfare.

Hjördís Anna Haraldsdóttir – activist and multidisciplinary artist.

The panel discussion will be interpreted into Icelandic Sign Language.

Upstairs – Sunnusalur (13:00–16:00)

Participatory activities and exercises focusing on connection, presence, perception, and relaxation.

Co-Creation

A collaborative artwork where participants draw on the same surface and create something together. The piece gradually evolves through each person's contribution and becomes a shared whole.

Art Connects

Simple exercises that use the arts to encourage conversation, collaboration, and connection.

Intergenerational Conversations / Speed Meetings

Younger and older participants meet and talk about life, experiences, and the things that matter most to them.

Eye Contact

Simple exercises that explore communication and connection through eye contact—for example, by colouring one another's eye colour.

Slow Looking

Take time to pause with a single artwork or view and observe it attentively.

Music and Relaxation

A calm musical space where participants can lie down, relax, and rest. Explore where—or whether—you can feel the music in your body.