Administrative structure

Decor overlay
The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a university institution that carries out higher education in the field of art, works to promote art education with the nation and communicates education about arts and culture to the public.

  • Charter

    CHARTER

    Iceland Academy of the Arts

    Article 1.

    The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a non-profit organization with a special board. Its home and forum is in Reykjavík.

    The non-profit organization's initial capital is its equity on September 21, 1998, ISK. 500,000,-. When disposing of the income of the Iceland Academy of the Arts, the goals stated in Article 2 must be taken care of. below.

    Article 2.

    The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a university institution that carries out higher education in the field of art, which meets the requirements for teaching and research at university level. The Iceland Academy of the Arts shall also work to promote art education with the nation and communicate education about arts and culture to the public.

    Article 3.

    The school's board is made up of 5 members for three years at a time, and none of them shall have their main support from working at the school or studying at the school. The Minister of Education nominates two people to the board, while three shall be elected at the general meeting of the Bakland Iceland Academy of the Arts. The board elects a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members.

    Article 4.

    The school's board shall safeguard the school's role and ensure that the activities serve the set goals It is responsible for the school's operations, finances and assets, and determines school fees The board appoints the school's rector.

    Article 5.

    The rector is appointed for a five-year term, and the position shall be advertised as vacant for application The acting rector may be reappointed once, for a second five-year period, without the position being advertised as vacant for application However, the rector's total term of appointment shall not exceed 10 years.

    The rector handles the operation and management of the school on behalf of the board and is responsible to it. He is responsible for ensuring that the working arrangements are in accordance with the roles, objectives and quality requirements The rector is responsible for the recruitment of staff The principal officers of the school shall be hired by the rector in consultation with the board.

    Article 6.

    The Executive Council is a consultation forum for the main administrators of the school The Council deals with the common issues of departments, support areas and the organization of school work.

    Article 7.

    The professional council is a consultation forum for the school's administrators, teachers and students on academic issues, across departments The council discusses the school's professional goals and is a leader for administrators in academic matters.

    Article 8.

    The university meeting is a collaborative platform between the departments and institutions of the school, and the board and rector can seek its comments regarding the activities and development of the school. The university meeting shall hold at least once a school year. The professional council calls university meetings. The school's board sets more detailed rules for the activities of university meetings.

    Article 9.

    The Appeals Committee has the highest authority in disciplinary and student rights matters The Appeals Committee consists of one dean, who is the chair of the committee, and two teachers' representatives. The school's Executive Council nominates a decision committee and sets rules for its activities.

    Article 10.

    The work of the school shall be organized into departments according to the arts, and the school's board shall determine the division of departments The school's board sets rules for the school in accordance with Law No. 63/2006. the senior management of each department is entrusted to the dean of the department is appointed for a five-year term, and the position shall be advertised as vacant for application. The acting dean may be reappointed once, for another five-year period, without the position being advertised as vacant for application The continuous term of appointment of the dean shall not exceed 10 years The rector appoints the dean after consultation with the board.

    Article 11.

    The University of the Arts annually publishes a syllabus based on departmental curricula The syllabus describes, among other things, the arrangements for learning, teaching methods, assessment and rules. The dean of the faculty is responsible for the syllabuses of their departments, while the head of the teaching is editing the syllabus must be revised for each school year.

    Article 12.

    When recruiting for the positions of dean or university faculty, the qualifications of candidates shall be assessed by the qualification committee The rector appoints a qualification committee, according to the rules for the awarding of academic positions, upon receiving the recommendations of the professional council and in consultation with the board of the qualification committee shall be composed of three representatives, two who serve for two years at a time and one appointed for each case.

    Article 13.

    The school's fiscal year is the calendar year, and within three months of the end of the fiscal year, the rector must submit an annual report together with a report on the activities to the school's board. The rector must submit the operating plan for the next fiscal year to the school's board for processing by November 30 each year.

    Article 14.

    If the Iceland Academy of the Arts is closed down, a resolution committee, composed of one representative from each nominating body on the school's board, shall decide how that project will be carried out and ensure that the school's assets will be protected in accordance with the goals of the non-profit organization A proposal for the closure shall be submitted to the commissioner of the North West.

    Article 15.

    The Ministry of Education guarantees financial support to the Iceland Academy of the Arts, which is based on an agreement for the services provided by the school.

    The school is permitted to enter into agreements for financial support or other forms of support for anyone who wishes to provide the school with a financial component or to use its services The school is responsible for its obligations.

    Article 16.

    The general meeting of the board shall be held in connection with an annual meeting where the school's finances and the main points of the work plan are presented. The selection of a certified accountant shall be presented at the general meeting. The school's board shall establish rules for the arrangement of the annual meeting.

    Article 17.

    The school's board can, by unanimous decision, change this charter, with the approval of the commissioner in the North West.

    Changes to this charter will only be approved at a legally convened meeting of the board, provided that a proposal for this has been presented in the meeting notice.

     

    Upon confirmation of this charter, the older charter no. 586/1998.

    Signature of the board.

    This charter is hereby confirmed according to the Act on Funds and Institutions that operate according to confirmed charter no. 19/1988.

    View verified charter.

  • Board of the Iceland Academy of the Arts

    The board of the Iceland Academy of the Arts has the highest decision-making authority within the school and oversees issues concerning the school as a whole. The board of the University of the Arts is made up of five persons for three years at a time, and none of them have their support from working at the school or studying with it. The Minister of the University nominates two persons to the board, while three are elected at the general meeting of the Bakland University of the Arts. The board meets monthly during the school year.

    Management:
    • Sigrún Lilja Guðbjartsdóttir, chairman of the board, representative of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Universities
    • Hildur Gunnlaugsdóttir, vice-chairman of the board, representative of Bakland LHÍ
    • Gísli Örn Garðarsson, representative of the Ministry of Culture, Innovation and Universities
    • Sveinbjörn Baldvinsson, representative of Bakland LHÍ
    • Vigdís Jakobsdóttir, representative of Bakland LHÍ

    Deputies:
    • Jóhann G. Jóhannsson, deputy representative of Bakland LHÍ
    • Steinunn Sigurðardóttir, deputy representative of Bakland LHÍ
    • Mist Þorkelsdóttir, deputy representative of Bakland LHÍ

  • Recognition in the field of art

    The Iceland Academy of the Arts works in the field of art and is the only university in the country that has been recognized by the Minister of Education for this purpose.

    Recognition by the Minister of Education in the field of art.
    On the recognition of universities.

  • Organizational chart

  • Rector

    The rector handles the operation and management of the school on behalf of the board and is responsible to it. He is responsible for ensuring that the working arrangements are in accordance with the roles, goals and quality requirements, including with regard to the curriculum and teaching arrangements. The rector appoints the main heads of the school in consultation with the board.

    The rector heads the executive council and the professional council.

    Kristín Eysteinsdóttir is the rector of the Iceland Academy of the Arts.

    Kristín Eysteinsdóttir completed a master's degree in directing from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2007, but before that she had completed a BA in dramaturgy from Aarhus University in 2002. Kristín has directed about 20 performances in professional theaters and was a permanent director at the City Theater from 2008 - 2014. In 2008, she was chosen director of the year at Grímunn for the show Sá ljóti and was also nominated for the same award in 2010, 2012 and 2013. Kristín has also directed at the Radio Theater and worked as a dramaturg at numerous shows and has held numerous positions of responsibility with board seats and chairmanships of various boards and committees related to drama, education and publishing.

    Kristín was appointed theater director of the City Theater in 2014 and held that position until 2020. Under her direction, the City Theater achieved remarkable results both artistically and operationally, attendance records for the theater were broken, and the theater won the Grímuna, the Icelandic Performing Arts Award, for the show of the year all the years she was theater director. She recently finished her first short film and has been preparing her first feature film in the past two years, which is well on its way to development. Kristín worked as a professor and professional director at the performing arts department of the Iceland Academy of the Arts in the school year 2022-2023.

  • Executive Director

    The executive director works with the rector and is in charge of the school's finances and assets in consultation with him and the school's board. The executive director is a member of the school's executive council.

  • Deans

    The dean is responsible for the professional and academic policy of the professional department and its implementation in learning, teaching and research The dean is the immediate head of the academic staff of the relevant department The dean is responsible for managing the affairs of the students and staff of the department and exercises decision-making authority within the department in matters concerning academic career and academic progress The dean sits on the professional council and other committees as the case may be. The dean oversees faculty meetings, faculty council meetings and professional director meetings.

  • Executive Council

    The Executive Council has decision-making authority on the common issues of the University of the Arts, including on quality management and organization of school activities, operations, finance, housing and facilities The Executive Council prepares proposals for policy for the school in key matters and is the sponsor of the Rector in day-to-day management. The Equality Committee and the Environment Committee are under the Executive Council.

  • Professional advice

    The professional council has decision-making authority in academic matters, deals with the school's professional goals, performance and quality, and is a leader for administrators in teaching, research and development The professional council prepares proposals for policy for the school in key matters The teaching committee and the research committee report to the professional council. The professional council consists of the rector, assistant rectors, deans and a student representative selected by the Student Council. The rector leads the meetings of the professional council. The meeting is always held once a month.

  • Student Council

    The Student Council is a consultation forum for student associations with the school and a liaison with the school's administrators. The Student Council is composed of the chairmen of the student associations of the school's departments. The Student Council nominates student representatives to the school's committees and councils

About the management of LHÍ

  • Appointment and responsibility of the board

    The Board of the Academy of Arts has the highest decision-making authority within the university and the oversight of issues concerning the school as a whole The Board safeguards the role of the school and ensures that the activities serve the set goals The Board appoints the rector of the school.
    The board is responsible for operations, finances, assets, determines school fees and confirms rules on the main aspects of the activity, such as the provision of jobs within the school The board convenes an open annual meeting where the school's finances and the main points of the work plan are presented. The board sets rules for the arrangement of the meeting.
    The board of the University of the Arts is made up of five members for three years at a time, and none of them have their support from working at the school or are studying at the school The Minister of Universities, Industry and Innovation nominates two people to the board, while three are elected at the general meeting of the Bakland Iceland Academy of the Arts. The board elects a chairman and vice-chairman from among its members and sets operating rules, which are published on the school's website.
    The board has a similar role and is defined as the role of the university council in Article 15. Act on Universities no. 63/2006.

  • Board members

    Sigrún Lilja Guðbjartsdóttir, representative of the Ministry of Universities, Industry and Innovation.
    Gísli Örn Garðarsson, representative of the Ministry of Universities, Industry and Innovation.
    Karen María Jónsdóttir, representative of Bakland LHÍ.
    Hildur Gunnlaugsdóttir, representative of Bakland LHÍ.
    Sveinbjörn Baldvinsson, representative of Bakland LHÍ.

    Deputies:

    Jóhann G. Jóhannsson, deputy representative of Bakland LHÍ.
    Mist Þorkelsdóttir, deputy representative of Bakland LHÍ.

  • Operating rules of the board

    The school's board is made up of 5 people for three years at a time, and none of them must support themselves from working at the school or study at the school. The Minister of Education nominates two people to the board, but three must be elected at the general meeting of the Bakland Iceland Academy of the Arts.

  • Roles and duties

    The school's board has the highest decision-making authority within it and the oversight of matters concerning the school as a whole The school's board shall safeguard the school's role and ensure that the activities serve set goals It is responsible for operations, finances, assets and determines school fees The school's board determines the division of departments The board appoints the rector, according to provisions in the charter.
    The rector handles the operation and management of the school on behalf of the board and is responsible to it. He is responsible for ensuring that the working arrangements are in accordance with the roles, goals and quality requirements, including with regard to the curriculum and teaching arrangements. The rector is responsible for the board receiving information about the school's activities, such as finances, structure and operations.
    The rector appoints the principal officers of the school in consultation with the board The school's board sets rules for the school in accordance with Act No. 136/1997 The school's board of directors establishes general rules for the granting of functions within it Budgets and accounts shall be submitted to the board for approval Board members must know the laws, rules and statutes that apply to the school, understand the role of the board and for what benefit is being worked out Board members must make independent decisions in each individual case Board members must ensure that there is internal control and monitor that the board's decisions are enforced This includes, among other things, that budgets, interim settlements and final settlements must be submitted to the board and approved by it.

  • Operating rules

    • The board divides the work.
    • The chairman of the board chairs meetings and the vice-chairman in the absence of the chairman. The chairman prepares board meetings with the rector.
    • The chairman and other board members work on the school's issues between meetings as appropriate at any given time.
    • The board can appoint sub-committees within the board to work on specific projects.
    • The rector convenes board meetings on behalf of the chairman and in consultation with him.
    • Meetings shall normally be held no less often than once a month and more often if necessary In addition to the board members, the rector attends board meetings.
    • It is allowed to call in the manager, dean and other administrators of the school in cases where issues related to their field of work are discussed.
    • The secretary submits minutes to board meetings for approval. Minutes must be delivered to the rector for safekeeping.
    • Meeting documents must be kept with meeting minutes.
    • The board makes decisions on the issues that fall under the scope of work
    • hers. In the event of a vote, the majority of votes prevails.
    • Minutes shall not be published unless a special decision is made.
    • Board members must maintain confidentiality and confidentiality regarding issues discussed at board meetings.
    • Board members must ensure that the general rules on the disqualification of board members are followed.
    • The composition of the board takes into account the fact that none of the board members may depend on their work at the school or study at the school.
    • It is desirable that the majority of board members are independent of the school in other respects.
    • The board itself must assess whether the board member is independent and explain his decision in the school's annual report.
    • Board members are not considered independent if they receive significant payments from the school or its senior management other than board salaries, eg contractor salaries or salaries for advice.
    • Board members are not considered independent if they are closely related to any of the school's advisors, board members or senior management.
    • In its work, the board shall rely on the charter and school rules.
    • The board determines board salaries, board salaries must take into account board salaries in similar institutions.
    • Information about board members must be available in official documents about the school, such as on the website.

    It is desirable that the board regularly assesses its work, procedures and practices as well as the progress of the school.

  • Annual meeting

    In accordance with the school's charter, its board holds an open annual meeting where the school's finances and the main points of the work plan are presented. The school's board sets rules for the organization of the meeting.