Arctic Canvas 2027: Iceland Sound-Art Residency Open to Musicians, Applications by November 8
Arctic Canvas has opened its 2026 open call for a two-week 2027 creative residency focused on sound and music. The retreat will take place March 18–31, 2027 in the Snæfellsnes region of Iceland, and applications close November 8, 2026. One artist, or one collaborative duo, will be selected. The founder of London-based label Erased Tapes, Robert Raths, is this year’s guest curator. A successful applicant receives the use of a live/work studio for the two-week stay, but NOT a cash grant covering international flights, food, vehicles or creative equipment.
Who is eligible? Age 25+ and a sound or music practice
The 2026 call welcomes musicians, composers, producers, sound artists and interdisciplinary makers working with sound. Applicants may enter individually or as a duo of at most two people. All applicants must be at least 25 years old under the organizer’s published terms. Work may be at an early research stage or part of a developing project: new writing, composition, field recording and sound experimentation can be suitable. This is an artist selection and production retreat, not an audition to join Erased Tapes or a guaranteed label recording or distribution agreement.
The selected artist receives two weeks of studio accommodation
Arctic Canvas covers the cost of the two-week private live/work studio. The artist is responsible for airfare, car rental, meals, personal costs, health and travel insurance and all equipment or materials. Icelandic winter transport is a serious practical consideration: the location is remote, public transport is not available nearby and the organizers say a 4x4 vehicle is required in March. The nearest grocery store is roughly a 30-minute drive away. Budget for fuel, weather-related delays and access to food before committing to the residency.
The studio is NOT a fully equipped recording facility
The invitation states that Arctic Canvas is a creative studio with living accommodation, not a professionally equipped audio-recording room. Artists must bring their own instruments, recording devices, microphones, interfaces, computers or other tools as needed. A project whose viability depends on a grand piano, multichannel installation equipment or a staffed control room should not assume it is available. Selected artists are expected to take all equipment and finished work away when the residency ends, paying their own shipping when necessary.
Application: email, 500–600 words, portfolio links only
Send an email to hello@arctic-canvas.com with the subject line 2026 Open Call Application – [Your Name]. Include written answers to four questions in a combined response of approximately 500–600 words: an introduction to your practice, the project you wish to develop, why Arctic Canvas would help, and what you hope to achieve during the two-week stay. Also explicitly confirm that you have read the Must-Know section and the terms. Supply links to recordings, a website, videos or a portfolio; the organizer requests links rather than email attachments.
Selection dates and artistic opportunity
Applications opened October 11, 2026, close November 8 and the selected artist is expected to be announced around December 8. The residency dates, March 18–31, cannot be exchanged for another period. Guest curator Robert Raths founded Erased Tapes in 2007; the label has worked with artists including Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and Rival Consoles. This background connects the residency to innovative sound practice, but no commercial label support is promised. Optional social-media sharing, an artist presentation or Icelandic venue introductions may be discussed with the recipient and are contingent on feasibility.
Review rights, weather risks and documentation duties
The selected artist is expected to share documentation or a short reflection of the stay. The organizer’s terms describe insurance responsibilities and limits of liability for delays, lost gear or bad weather. If the work involves performers, location recordings, music samples or other copyrighted materials, obtain appropriate permissions. A beautiful concept statement alone cannot compensate for a project that cannot be carried out safely in a self-directed winter residency.
Official open call, costs and conditions
Arctic Canvas: 2026 open call for the March 2027 sound and music residency: https://www.arctic-canvas.com/opencall
Arctic Canvas: FAQs explaining residency funding and travel costs: https://www.arctic-canvas.com/faq
Important: verify original conditions before applying
This article is a third-party editorial summary and may contain errors or become outdated. Before applying or booking international travel, verify the 25+ age restriction, November 8 deadline, selection dates, accommodation support, mandatory four-wheel-drive vehicle, insurance, practical studio facilities, and image or recording rights from the official Arctic Canvas rules. Where details differ, the original organizer’s terms prevail. Checked October 26, 2026.