We are deeply honoured to share that the Creative Centre in Stöðvarfjörður has been awarded Eyrarrósin 2025 – the national distinction that, since 2005, celebrates outstanding cultural projects outside Iceland’s capital region. The award is a collaboration between Reykjavik Arts Festival, The Icelandic Regional Development Institute and Icelandair.

This recognition is a profound moment for a project that began with uncertainty and grew against the odds. When the old fish factory – the village’s largest workplace – closed its doors, the building stood empty, its future unclear. But instead of letting it fall into disrepair, a group of friends came together, working with dedication, vision and no pay for over a decade to transform it into a living cultural space.

Today, the Creative Centre is home to artists from around the world, vibrant community events, and local collaborations that span generations and disciplines. It supports artistic creation, hosts residencies, offers workshops in ceramics and sound, and provides space for experimentation, exchange, and growth.

At the beginning, we didn’t have substantial funding or powerful backers. What we’ve had is people – artists, friends, and the community of Stöðvarfjörður – who believed in the idea and gave their time, energy, and love to make it real. This award is for them.

We are grateful beyond words.

— The Fish Factory team, past and present