About research

The Iceland Academy of the Arts employs artists and academics who conduct research in and on the arts and in art education.

The University of the Arts requires its researchers that results are always communicated publicly and accessible, to experts as well as the general public, whether on an artistic or academic level. The direct and unmediated relationship the arts have with society; different age groups, played as learned, is one strength of the academic field when it comes to assessing the benefits of research, where social impact is often great and obvious.

The Iceland Academy of the Arts is responsible for the development of the academic field of art within the Icelandic university community and emphasizes the research value of creativity and an artistic approach.

Research in the arts includes diverse methods and means of communication developed through artistic creation They proceed from a specific knowledge core and defined subjects or questions brought forth through a creative process and the interaction of practical and theoretical analysis The research is either located within the university's disciplines; architecture, design, visual arts, film arts, performing arts, music and art pedagogy studies or worked out in collaboration between different fields of study They are presented on the basis of the arts in a context that may include aesthetic, epistemological, ethical, political and societal references. Results are always communicated by public means, to experts as well as the public, whether in artistic form or on an academic level. This direct and intermediary-free relationship the arts have with society; different age groups, and actors as learned, is one strength of the field of study when assessing the benefits of art research.

LHÍ research policy

Research results

According to the approach of the Iceland Academy of the Arts, the result of research in the academic field of art is always of two types at a time, on the one hand, work and on the other hand, article writing about the work in question. A work refers to the result in any form, artwork or writing, and the condition is that it has been communicated in a public forum. The university's stated policy is to encourage an experimental approach and diverse forms of communication in research work.

Research results

Brainstorming

Hugarflug, the annual conference of the Iceland Academy of the Arts, is a forum for open, professional and critical discussion about arts, design, architecture and related subjects.

Brainstorming

Center for Research

The Center for Research advises academic staff with research rates on funding research projects from external competition funds and guides application writing and planning.

More information

Annual conference of LHÍ September 9 - 11. 2026, Stakkahlíð

Brainstorming '26

Hugarflug is an annual conference of LHÍ ÉTR forum for open, professional and critical discussion about arts and design. A three-day program with national and foreign speakers, workshops and discussion sessions, open to the public.

60+
Lecturers
24
Workshops and discussion forums
3 days
Open to the public, free access

Brainstorming '26

Financing
01

LHÍ Research FundResearch Fund

Annual fund that supports staff research projects. Application deadline September 15.

02

LHÍ Publishing FundPublication Fund

Support for the publication of academic publications, books and web publications based on art research.

03

Student Innovation FundStudent Innovation Fund

Grants student entrepreneurship projects Đ from concept to prototype. Applications open in February.

International research collaboration.

Partners
Over 20 research collaborations (EG) funded through Erasmus+, Nordplus, ELIA, Rannís and direct bilateral cooperation.
View collaborative projects →
LHÍ research service

Assistance with applications, project management and publication.

LHÍ's research service provides teachers, doctoral students and partners with advice on external grants, preparation of applications, negotiation and presentation of research in the public arena.