Heiðdís receives the MsH 2021 Encouragement Award

Encouragement Award Marketing Office of Hafnarfjörður were awarded for the fifth time yesterday at a festive but low-key ceremony in Hafnarborg. Heiðdís Helgadóttir received the encouragement prize this time, specifically for the Art Mini-School. 

See the announcement and more photos on the website of the Marketing Bureau of Hafnarfjörður. 

At the ceremony, awards were also presented to four individuals for their work in promoting business and the town's atmosphere in Hafnarfjörður. The recipients were the restaurant Ban Kúnn, director Gunnar Björn Guðmundsson, and two newcomers to the market: the bakery Gulli Arnar and the fitness centre Kvennastyrkur. The award is presented annually to a company, individual or organisation for uplifting the town's atmosphere through their activities and events. It is a token of appreciation from the marketing agency for their selfless work in making Hafnarfjörður a better community.

Here are the reviews of the award recipients:

Heiðdís Helgadóttir – The Little Art School

The citation for the encouragement award states that Heiðdís deserves this award for being a prominent creative force in Hafnarfjörður, but above all for her diligence in making her dream of an art school a reality. She has done a fantastic and selfless job for the benefit of young people by offering art courses for primary school children, which is a much-needed addition to youth work in Hafnarfjörður. She also truly brought the town to life last summer, when children on her courses could be seen everywhere, creating one work of art after another on the town's buildings.

Ban Kun

Ban Kúnn brings originality and quality to the food scene in Hafnarfjörður, attracting many customers who also travel from far and wide. This extremely popular venue is still an important part of the Austurgata Festival on the 17th of June, from which Ban Kúnn actually traces its roots. The owners of Ban Kúnn are the couple Svavar G. Jónsson and Natthawat Voramool, but Svavar has been a particularly active member of the marketing board from the very beginning, keen to take part in its work as well as in the general town's discourse. It is this passion for local affairs and better food, above all, that led to Ban Kúnn receiving the recognition from the Marketing Office of Hafnarfjörður in 2021.

Gulli Arnar

Gulli Arnar artisan bakery is one of the newcomers to receive recognition. Gulli Arnar brings a fresh breeze to the town and many innovations that have not previously been available in Hafnarfjörður. Great care is also taken to avoid food waste, and the business's aim is to sell out of all products daily and to produce new, fresh goods the following day. A dynamic and ambitious baker who is active on social media, where you can follow his work in a fun and genuine way.

Gunnar Björn Guðmundsson, director

Gunnar Björn was recognised for putting Hafnarfjörður on the map as a film town by shooting and directing films in the town. Gunnar Björn wrote and directed the film Amma Hófí, which premiered at Bæjarbíó last year, with filming taking place almost entirely in Hafnarfjörður. He brought the town to life during the filming, which had a direct positive impact on its residents and businesses. The filming will also have historical value in the future, as it shows what Hafnarfjörður was like around 2020.

Women's strength

Kvennastyrkur is the latest recipient of an award, but the gym was only opened last summer. The venue has been a breath of fresh air for the town centre, livening it up even more, and women come from all over the capital area to visit. The owner of Kvennastyrkur, Sigrún María Hákonardóttir, has shown courage and resilience in opening a health club during the Covid era, letting nothing stop her and always moving forward. She has also supported other local businesses by directing her clients to nearby shops and restaurants. The board of the marketing agency believes it is exceptionally good for the health-focused town of Hafnarfjörður to have Kvennastyrkur as an addition to the fitness centres already in the town.

See the announcement and more photos on the website of the Marketing Bureau of Hafnarfjörður.