About the Residency

Ós Textile Residency is named for its location on the banks of the Blanda River overlooking the North Atlantic; “Ós” is Icelandic for estuary.

Ós fosters creativity, experimentation, and reflection for artists and scholars working with textiles. Applications are accepted year-round, from emerging to senior-level creatives, with residencies available year-round except December. We welcome diverse perspectives, including from materials science, digital design, engineering, and environmental studies, alongside traditional textile practices.

Located in historic Kvennaskólinn, a former women’s college in Blönduós, Ós hosts up to 14 residents for 1–3 months. Each resident has a private room with a desk and view, shared studio access and Wi-Fi. Digital machines and tools are available for an additional fee in our TextileLab. Private housing next door accommodates groups of three and four. Residents can explore weaving, tufting, digital weaving, dyeing, embroidery, knitting, felting, and more. Nearby amenities include a textile museum, gym, and swimming pool.

Since 2013, Ós has welcomed international artists and scholars. Residents can arrange open houses or exhibitions, and participants are featured in the Ós Residency Catalog.

For more information on daily life at the residency, Blönduós, travel, and more, see our Book of Answers.