Vigdís Gunnarsdóttir has been appointed to the position of assistant professor at the Faculty of Art Education, in the field of academic development, since the fall semester of 2023. She will play the role of professional director in art education studies with a focus on performing arts.
Vigdís completed a diploma in art education from the Iceland University of the Arts in 2013. She received an MA degree in writing and directing for television from Goldsmiths Collage, University of London in the UK in 2002 and completed her studies in drama from the Icelandic Drama School in 1993. Vigdís was a permanent actor at the National Theater from 1995 - 2003 and played various roles at the City Theater in 2009 - 2010. She also has experience in scriptwriting for TV series, documentary, musical and one children's play, Thalia. Vigdís has significant teaching experience at university level, policy development and development of studies and teaching in pedagogy with a focus on the performing arts In addition, she has experience in teaching art at primary and secondary school level She has worked as an adjunct professor and professional director of the master's program at the Faculty of Art Education since 2018 and guided in the final projects of students as well as participating in development projects and collaboration between the Faculty of Art Education and the University of Akureyri „Art and Creativity in School Work“ and the project „Art Train“ which are workshops of students of the Faculty of Art Education that take place in primary schools outside the capital city area in collaboration with Art for All.
Community arts and community theatre are Vigdís's mind and core to her vision that drama is an ideal platform for empowering youth and building on their ability to express, share their own ideas, independence and responsibility in society In her university teaching, she has focused on introducing her students to diverse teaching methods and an interdisciplinary approach to teaching using the methods of the arts.