Main office

Þverholti 11, 5. hæð
105 Reykjavík
+354 552 4000
lhi [at] lhi.is

About the University

The Iceland University of the Arts is a self-governing institution providing higher education in fine arts, films, theatre, dance, music, design, architecture and art education.

Role and Objectives

The role of the Iceland University of the Arts is to encourage progressive thinking in the arts and to stimulate innovation and development in different fields. The IUA offers education in the arts at the university level and conveys both knowledge and professionalism in the arts to Icelandic society. It operates in a global environment and measures itself against academies that excel in arts education in neighbouring countries.

Three main values guide the focus and direction of the Academy in all of its work:

  • Curiosity
  • Understanding
  • Courage

Curiosity prompts us to ask questions and search for new approaches, solutions and answers. We dissect those answers and strive to understand what is foreign to us. Through understanding and training, we develop the talents and skills we require. In that way, we strengthen our courage to follow through on our convictions and our artistic vision.

Cooperation

The Iceland University 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 University 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 Akureyri Theatre, the Iceland Dance Company, the Reykjavík Arts Festival and the State Broadcasting Service.

The Iceland University of the Arts is an active participant in international cooperation. The IUA has made bilateral agreements with about 120 higher education institutions in Europe through the Erasmus programme. Within NordPlus, the IUA cooperates with about 90 art academies in the Nordics and the Baltics. Preparations are being made for cooperation with art academies in Asia, including China, Japan and Thailand. Students can therefore complete a part of their studies in foreign places. In general, the student exchange lasts one semester. A large number of foreign exchange students also studies at the Iceland University of the Arts, and numerous foreign guest teachers teach at the IUA for longer or shorter periods of time.

 

Management

The Iceland University of the Arts is a self-governing institution providing higher education in fine arts, theatre, dance, music, design, architecture and art education. The operations of the IUA are three-fold:  common executive management, university departments, and support division/joint administration.

The IUA board is the highest decision-making body and oversees all issues pertaining to general school operations. It serves to protect the interests of the IUA and ensure that it operates according to the set objectives. The board is responsible for the administration, finances and property of the institution determines the tuition fees and appoints the rector.

The rector acts on behalf of the board to carry out the operations and administration of the IUA, and holds ultimate responsibility. He is in charge of ensuring that school practices are carried out in accordance with the roles, objectives and standards set by the IUA, particularly with respect to curriculum and instruction. The Rector chairs meetings of the IUA's Management Council and Academic Council and calls the meeting of the IUA Forum. He also acts as the IUA´s spokesman.

The Management Council is a collaborative forum for the IUA's executive staff. The Council discusses issues of joint concern to the departments and support divisions and supports the rector in the daily operations of the school.

The IUA Council is a collaborative forum for administrators, instructors and students at the IUA. The Council discusses the professional standards of the IUA, the quality and performance of its work, and supports the rector and management in making decisions on academic matters.

The IUAForum is an open venue for discussing professional matters within the IUA as well as academic policy. The rector and board may seek its opinion on any and all matters pertaining to the school’s operations and development. TheI UAForum is held at least once a year.
 

Rector

Fríða Björk Ingvarsdóttir, Rector
frida [at] lhi.is

Deans of school 

Eva María Árnadóttir, Architecture, Design and Fine Art

evamaria [at] lhi.is

Hulda Stefánsdóttir, Academic Development

huldastefansdottir [at] lhi.is

Þóra Einarsdóttir, Music and Performing Arts

thora [at] lhi.is

Deans of departmensts

Hildigunnur Sverrisdóttir Department of Architecture

hildigunnurs [at] lhi.is

Katrín Ólína  Department of Design

katrinolina [at] lhi.is
Kristín Valsdóttir, Department of Arts Education

kristin [at] lhi.is
Bjarki Bragason, Department of Fine Arts

bjarkibragason [at] lhi.is
Tryggvi M Baldvinsson Department of Music

tmbald [at] lhi.is

Steinunn Ketilsdóttir, Department of Performing Arts (on leave)

steinunnketils [at] lhi.is

IUA - office

Haukur Björnsson , Managing Director
haukur [at] lhi.is

Björg Jóna Birgisdóttir, Director of Student Affairs
bjorg [at] lhi.is

Sóley Björt Guðmundsdóttir, Human Resource Manager
soleybjort [at] lhi.is

Þorsteinn Þorsteinsson, Chief Financial Officer

thorsteinn [at] lhi.is

Vigdís Másdóttir, director of PR and Communications
vigdismas [at] lhi.is

Ásdís Þórisdóttir, Reception
asdisth [at] lhi.is

International Office

Björg Stefánsdóttir, Head of International Office
bjorgstef [at] lhi.is

Heba Eir Jónasdóttir Kjeld, Project Manager
bjorgstef [at] lhi.is

Library

Rósa Bjarnadóttir, Director of Library
rosa [at] lhi.is