Listaháskóli

Íslands /
Iceland
Academy of
the Arts

Fine Arts / Design / Architecture / Music / Theatre / Dance

Table of Contents

From the Rector 03

Iceland Academy of the Arts 04
Fine Arts 06
Design & Architecture 08
Music 10
Theatre and Dance 12
Art Education 14
Information for Applicants 15

Iceland Academy of the Arts

Skipholt 1, 105 Reykjavík
T 552 4000 F 562 3629

Fine Arts
Laugarnesvegur 91, 105 Reykjavík
T 520 2400 F 520 2409

Design & Architecture

Skipholt 1, 105 Reykjavík
Design Jeffrey Nebolini og Team Goddur T 552 4000 F 562 3629

Theatre
Sölvhólsgata 13, 101 Reykjavík
T 552 5020 F 561 6314
 
Music
Sölvhólsgata 13, 101 Reykjavík
T 552 5020 F 561 6314

Art Education
Laugarnesvegur 91, 105 Reykjavík
T 520 2400 F 520 2409

www.lhi.is lhi@lhi.is

The role of the Iceland Academy for the Arts is to pro-
vide art education at the higher-education level and to
disseminate knowledge and professionalism in the arts
to the community at large. It offers education in most
artistic fields and nurtures artistic creativity and research.
The Academy also acts as a forum for discussion about
the arts and an artistic workshop that is open to anyone.
Theatre, concerts, fashion, design, fine art, cinema and
performance art — all these and more are to be found
within the walls of the Academy. It houses art in its most
diverse forms, and artists that are as diverse as they are
many.
The curriculum emphasises creative thinking in culture
and the arts. It seeks to stimulate all types of creativity
and progress in all fields, led by three guiding princi­
ples: curiosity, understanding and courage. Curiosity
prompts us to ask and seek out new paths; we seek
to understand that which is foreign; and we culti­vate
courage to follow through on our convictions and
artistic vision.
From the Rector
The Academy is a haven where students are given
peace to develop their talents. It is a place where
mistakes are not costly, and where each and every
individual is given support and counselling from top
professionals, to enable them to nurture their talents
and uncover their artistic spirits.
The ultimate goal is for students to be able to stand on
their own two feet in relation to their art, whether they
move on to work or continued studies. They should have
a broad knowledge of art and should be open minded,
while at the same time applying critical judgement to
their work and that of others. Primarily, though, they
should have developed their natural talent for creativity
and personal expression.
The following pages are intended to highlight the diverse
work that takes place at the Iceland Academy for the
Arts. It should be kept in mind, however, that it is the
students themselves who through their work define what
sort of school the Academy is and what takes place
there. It is through their radiant creativity that the Aca­
demy receives its light.
Hjálmar H. Ragnarsson, Rector
Iceland Academy of the Arts

University Instruction / The Academy offers full-
time education at university level, emphasizing superior
instruction and training for students who have passed the
strictest admission requirements. Four department facul­
ties offer degree programmes at the Bachelor of Arts
level, through different branches of study. The Music
Depart­ment also offers a Master programmme in compo­
siton. The Academy is currently preparing programmes
at the Master of Arts level in all faculties and to initiate
new branches of study.
Art Education / The objective of the Academy’s Art
Education programme is to train artists to be teachers
and to refine their ability to communicate their know­
ledge and skills. In that way, the Academy seeks to
facilitate the expansion of artistic creativity and pro­
fessionalism in the arts.
The Open Art Academy / The Open Art Academy
is an independent institution within the Iceland Academy
of the Arts. Its role is to educate and inform the general
public about the arts and to give working artists the
opportunity to expand their knowledge and renew their
education.
The Library / The Academy’s Library and Information
Service specializes in materials relating to the artistic
fields represented at the school. Its role is to provide
access to diverse materials relating to culture and the
arts, such as books, magazines, image material, scripts,
records, CDs and musical scores.

Art Creation & Research / Teachers at the Iceland

Academy of the Arts are artists or academics. The Aca­
demy organizes exhibitions and a variety of artistic
events, which are open to the public, and cooperates
on various projects in the area of art and culture with
institutions, organisations and individuals around the
country. The Academy also runs a Research Service
Center with the aim to support research amongs its
academic staff and students. The Center provides an
overview of funding possiblities and offers consulting to
staff and students. Its role is also to seek systematically
for new research opportunities and to enhance research
collaboration.The Academy seeks opportunities for
research in arts and culture, establishes connections
for cooperation in those fields, and educates artists
and academics in the arts about the development of
the research society.

The Academy collabo­
rates with other Icelandic
universities to utilize diff­
erent types of knowledge,
bring together students
and teachers from diff­
erent disciplines and to
add to diversity in
education.
Iceland Academy of the Arts
The Academy makes the The Academy operates
most of the coming to­ in a global environment,
gether of the different taking part in extensive
artistic disciplines by link- cooperation, facilitating
ing students and teachers student and teacher
in various projects and by exchanges and partici­
seeking opportunities for pating in projects on
interdisciplinary research a multinational level.
and innovation.
The Department of Fine Arts
The Department of Fine Arts offers a three-year pro­
gramme leading to a B.A. degree. Its main focus is on
facilitating original thought processes and developing
different methods for realising ideas. In the programme,
students work on ideas, processing ideas, presentation
and critque. Cooperation with working artists, organi­
sations and companies is actively sought with regard
to instruction and involvement in specialised projects.
6
The role of the Department of Fine Arts is to be a leading
force in fine arts instruction at the university level and an
open venue for research and debate. Students and in­
structors are expected to take an active part in cultural life
and to maintain vibrant ties with the artistic community.
The study programme places emphasis on the develop­
ment of independent work habits, strengthening the
students’ knowledge and appreciation of art and pre­
paring them for their role and position as artists in society.
 The Department of Fine Arts

Degree B.A.
Credits 180 ECTS.
Duration 3 years.
Programmes One programme.
Composition of Education Art creation, theory, technique.
Facilities Students’ home rooms, workshops, studios, lecture
hall, exhibition area.
Workshops Wood, metal, molding, printing, photography,
video, audio.
Location Laugarnesvegur 91, Reykjavík.
The Department of Design & Architecture

The Department of Design and Architecture offers

programmes leading to a B.A. degree through four
specialisations: Architecture, Product Design, Fashion
Design and Graphic Design. The duration of the study
is three years.

The objective of the study is that students will be able

to carry out diverse assignments in a creative manner.
They seek knowledge from the different areas within the
sector and learn various methods of solving problems.

The Department of Design and Architecture compares

itself with comparable departments in acclaimed
schools overseas. While it strives to meet international
standards, the department also derives inspiration from
Icelandic culture.
The Department of Design & Architecture

Degree
Credits
B.A.
180 ECTS.
9
Duration 3 years.
Programmes Graphic design, fashion design,
product design, architecture.
Composition of Education Art creation / design, theory, technique.
Facilities Students’ home rooms, workshops, studios, lecture
hall, exhibition area.
Workshops Wood, metal, molding, printing, photography,
video, audio.
Location Skipholt 1, Reykjavík.
The Department of Music

Degrees B.Mus., B.A. M.A.

Credits 180 ECTS and 120 ECTS
Duration 3 years and 2 years
Programmes Instrumental/vocal performance, music theory,
music education, composition – with emphasis on
contemporary composition, film music, theatre or stage
music, music production, or new media.
Composition Proficiency, training, interpretation and creation,
theory, analysis.
Facilities Classrooms, ensemble rooms, rehearsing rooms, concert
hall, recording studio, sound design studio.
Location Sölvhólsgata 13, Reykjavík.

In addition, to the first level degree, the Department of
Music also offers a Master programme in composition
and a Diploma programme for exceptionally talented
students who are still in secondary school but meet the
Academy’s demands with regards to musical knowledge
and ability.
 The Department of Music

11
The Department of Music offers three-year programmes
towards B.Mus. and B.A. degrees. Students choose
between four programmes: instrumental/vocal perfor-
mance, music theory, music education, and composition
– with emphasis on contemporary composition, film
music, theatre or stage music, music production or
new media.

The role of the music department is to train musicians for

a broad range of music professions. The objective is that
they acquire independent work methods, enhance their
knowledge and develop as independent artists.

The programme shall meet international standards and

reflect the wide range of opportunities open to musicians
in the fields of musical performance, innovation and edu-
cation. Graduates of the Department of Music should be
a source of enrichment for society.
The Department of Theatre

The Department of Theatre offers three study pro-

grammes: acting, a four-year programme leading to a
B.F.A. degree, in which the main emphasis is on training
the actor; Theory and Practice, a three year programme
leading to a B.A. degree, consisting of both theoretical
and practical work in which the focus is on theatre in
the widest sense; and a three-year dance programme
leading to a B.A. degree.

The aim of the study programmes in the department is

to help students open their minds about their role in the
arts, and strengthen their ability to develop new ideas
and generally take an initiative in the advancement of
their field of art.
The composition of the study programmes varies, but the
overall emphasis is on providing students with a sound
knowledge of the major aspects of the art of theater and
dance, concentrated training in the subjects on which
their technique is based. Students work on their assign-
ments either in groups or as individuals.
The students in the acting training programme are
offered extended training in technical subjects such
as voice, singing and movement. They must undertake
numerous projects in scene studies and improvisation,
take a course in acting for the camera, devicing
and attend theoretical courses of various kinds. In the
final year, the student take part in productions in the
student theatre.
paration for further specialisation on a higher edu­
cational level in subjects such as directing, dramaturgy
or playwriting. The programme consists of a combi­
nation of theoretical studies and analysis on the one
hand and practical training and stage production
on the other.
The overall aim of the dance programme is to prepare
talented, advanced dance students for the diverse
working environment of the dancer. Emphasis is placed
on giving students further training in dance technique
and movement ability, which gives them enhanced
insight into methods of dance and develops them as
artists. The goal of the dance programme is to prepare
talented dance students who have completed secondary
education for the diverse professional world of dance.

In Theory and Practice, students obtain a good found­

ation for diverse professions within the broad spectrum
of the theatre with emphasis on contemporary theater
practice. This programme also provides great pre­
 The Department of Theatre

Degrees
Credits
B.F.A., B.A.
240 ECTS and 180 ECTS
13
Duration 4 years and 3 years
Programmes Acting, Theory and Practice, Contemporary Dance.
Composition Skills, training, interpretation, creation, theory, analysis.
Facilities Classrooms, technique rooms, physical education hall,
dance hall, production studio, student theatre, workshop.
Location Sölvhólsgata 13, Reykjavík.

Art Education

Students admitted to the art education programme must

have completed a B.A. degree or equivalent in visual
arts, design, drama or music. The duration of study is
one to two years and leads to a diploma which allows
students to apply to the Ministry of Education for legal
certification to teach at the primary and secondary
school levels.

The Art Education programme is a pedagogical pro-

gramme intended to train teachers in general instruction
and for teaching in the arts in primary and secondary
schools, according to a set curriculum. Through the Art
Education programme the Academy seeks to ensure that
innovation in art and artistic theory is passed from one
educational level to another and that artists will gain
greater respect for education in the arts.

The Academy aims to strengthen the role of the arts in

the education of all Icelanders while simultaneously
facili­tating an understanding of the value of creative
thinking in all educational work.

Degree Diploma.
Credits 30/60 ECTS.
Duration 1-2 years.
Programmes One programme.

14
Composition Theory, technique, practical training in primary and
secondary schools.
Facilities Classrooms, lecture hall, students’ home room.
Location Laugarnesvegur 91, Reykjavík.


Iceland Academy of the Arts
The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a self-governing
institution, founded on September 21, 1998.
Instruction began in the fall of 1999.
Number of students: 470
Number of programmes: 15
Number by departments:
Design and Architecture: 180
Fine Arts: 95
Music: 75
Theatre: 65
Art Education: 55
Foreign exchange students: 20-30
Permanent employees in autumn 2008: 80,
including 45 permanent teachers.
Number of part-time teachers: around 250 per semester.
Each year, the Academy features a large number of
exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances. The
student theatre turns out three productions under the
direction of a professional director, there are about ten
graduation concerts every spring, and the education
in the Department of Fine Arts and the Department
of Design and Architecture ends with participation in
a graduation exhibition.
The Iceland Academy of the Arts places emphasis on
enhancing cooperation with other higher education
institutions in the country and various other institutions
and enterprises. Its partners include: The University
of Iceland, Reykjavík University, the Agricultural Uni­
versity of Iceland, Bifröst University, the Reykjavík Art
Museum, the National Gallery of Iceland, the Living Art
Museum, the Ísafjördur Music School, the Skaftfell
Cultural Centre, the Iceland Symphony Orchestra,
the Icelandic Opera, the Salur Music Hall, Caput, the
Reykja­vík City Theatre, the National Theatre, the Akur­
eyri Theatre, the Iceland Dance Company, the Reykjavík
Arts Festival and the State Broadcasting Service.
The Iceland Academy of the Arts is an active participant
in international cooperation. The Academy has made
bilateral agreements with about 70 higher education
institutions in Europe through the Erasmus programme.
Within NordPlus, the Academy cooperates with about
120 art academies in the Nordics and the Baltics. Pre­
parations are being made for cooperation with art aca­
demies in Asia, including China, Japan and Thailand.
Students can therefore complete a part of their studies
Information for Applicants
in foreign places. In general, the student exchange lasts
one semester. A large number of foreign exchange
students also studies at the Iceland Academy of the Arts,
and numerous foreign guest teachers teach at the Aca­
demy for longer or shorter periods of time.
The Academy’s application deadline for exchange
students is October 15 for the spring semester and April
15 for the autumn semester. For further information on
the IAA’s international work contact the international
coordinator, Alma Ragnarsdóttir, alma@lhi.is,
tel. +354 545 2200.
Information for applicants
Admission requirements for regular students: The Ice-
land Academy of the Arts seeks talented and creative
individuals with solid basic education and fundamental
knowledge of the arts. To qualify for admission, appli-
cants must have completed a secondary school exam
(Icelandic “stúdentspróf”) or a comparable educational
programme. Exceptions may be made for individuals
who demonstrate unusual talent in the field for which
they are applying.
Applicants are evaluated by special admissions boards
and/or take an admissions exam.
Admission for the art education programme requires a
bachelor degree or a comparable 180 ECTS university
level education in the art field in question.
The application deadlines vary from one department
to the other but most of them are in March – April.
The basic application form for regular students at the
Iceland Academy of the Arts is in a standardised elec-
tronic format on the Academy’s website. The electronic
application form must also be printed out and handed
in before the advertised application deadline together
with a portfolio with samples of the applicant’s work.
Note that most classes are taught in Icelandic and that
full-time students at the Iceland Academy of the Arts are
expected to know Icelandic.
Further information are provided at the website:
www.lhi.is
www.lhi.is lhi@lhi.is