The Creative Center in Stöðvarfjörður, established in 2011 within a 2800 m² repurposed former fish factory, marks a transition from its industrial origins to becoming a focal point of culture and innovation in the region. Owned by a non-profit, the building has required extensive renovations to repair its deteriorated condition. As these renovations continue, the space is gradually transforming into a hub for professional facilities and workshops, known today as the Creative Center. We are also an official Cultural Centre in Austurland (East Iceland).
In addition to our international residency programme, the building has grown into a lively site for community activity and creative enterprise. Several independent initiatives operate within the building and contribute to the broader ecosystem. These businesses are not owned or operated by the Fish Factory, but they share the same premises:
- Atomic Analog, Analog Music Gear & Analog Recordings made by Vinny Wood.
- Kvörn, a coffee roastery, introduces an artisanal culinary aspect with its freshly roasted coffee, enhancing the social and gastronomic fabric of the community.
- Studio Silo, a hub for music production with a strong emphasis on analog recording techniques. Specializing in tape recording, the studio offers artists a rare blend of traditional and digital recording options. Designed by acoustics expert John H. Brandt, Studio Silo offers a serene and acoustically optimized environment for artists seeking the distinct warmth of analog sound in their recordings.
- Petra’s Stone Collection, a renowned mineral museum in Stöðvarfjörður, showcasing an incredible collection of locally sourced stones. They are now renting one of our spaces to host their stone workshop.
- Silo Phonograph Disc Cutting, a small-batch vinyl (lathe-cut) disc cutting service run in limited numbers by Kvörn and Atomic Analog.
Looking ahead, the planned introduction of a Communal Kitchen aims to enhance the center’s position as a community hub. This initiative will create a collective space where individuals can cook, dine together, and foster a sense of unity and a spirit of collaboration.
Looking ahead, the planned introduction of a Communal Kitchen aims to further strengthen the centre as a community hub -creating a shared space for cooking, eating together, and collaboration.
The Fish Factory is also a venue for cultural activity, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. It attracts artists, musicians, and audiences from the region and beyond, helping to sustain a vibrant cultural scene and encourage creative exchange.
We work closely with Menningarstofa Fjarðabyggðar, collaborating on events, workshops, and cultural exchange. Through this partnership, we host exhibitions in their dedicated space and create opportunities for interaction between their programmes and our resident artists – further strengthening the creative community in East Iceland.
Our activities are supported through grants and partnerships, including support from Uppbyggingarsjóður Austurlands, the Ministry of Culture, and Fjarðabyggð.
Building Plan:
