Art entertained the audience at the creative summer jobs' final party.

Art plays with the people of Hafnarfjörður

It was clear that a wealth of talent lies hidden in Hafnarfjörður, when the final festival of creative summer jobs was held yesterday at the Innovation Centre by the Stream. A large crowd turned up to celebrate the harvest with the young people who have spent the summer working on their passions – writing a book, composing poetry, designing clothes, creating art from emotion, yarn and sound.

First onto the stage of the harvest came Una Mist and Kristijonas Groblys who performed the piece Ómstaður with handmade instruments. The music was haunting, golden-beautiful. Next, read Ida Ósk Gunnarsdóttir her own poem, but she has been writing, among other places, in Hellisgerði this summer. Then read Smári Hannesson from his book 'Eldar' and also presented his first book to the audience, which he had published at the age of 14. Thomas Vigour He played the final note by playing 'Dagnýju' and other tunes on his violin, having this summer run an exchange programme for young violin enthusiasts at primary and middle school level.

Thorbjorg Signy Agustsson, the project mentor, gave the opening speech: „It is so precious to live in a community where the arts are allowed to flourish and Young people get the opportunity to create, grow and let their light shine. We in We often speak of the Heart of Hafnarfjörður — but I believe that heart strikes a chord with the people here: the residents, the town's staff and not least in our young people who are the future and hope of us all.“

Screaming genius in the corridors

After the presentation, guests had the opportunity to walk around the Innovation Centre and learn more about these works, as well as others. In total, there were nine groups this summer and ten individuals. There, he showed Birta Bjarkardóttir her project 'Weaving of Spirits', which involves sewing clothes for the hidden people, with stories about the hidden people in Hafnarfjörður as a reference. There was Myrrh Bright Heart's Daughter with her work „Feelings“, which is about supporting young children to understand their own emotions, put themselves in others' shoes and learn to express themselves in a positive and mindful way.

The artist could also be met. Rán Sigurjónsdóttir, a graphic design student at the Iceland Academy of the Arts. She is holding a solo art exhibition at The Shed in early September, organised by Creative Summer Jobs in Hafnarfjörður, where she will share her vision of the world of the elves in oil paintings on wooden panels. Don't miss it.

Iris Egilsdottir was on the floor with a fantastic piece, but she is working on designing and developing a knitted piece from wool, which is called 'Texture of the Mountains'. It is inspired by the shadows, the dynamics, the shapes and the textures of the surrounding mountains.

Thorbjorg Signy thanked the young people for their cooperation. „I have been so incredibly lucky to have met this wonderful group and it is plain to see that this group has given me inspiration, and filled me with pride and hope. I'm so looking forward to following their journey continues, wherever the paths may lead. They are just so Brilliant! I want to say to you, thank you very much. Thank you for the trust, The chats and the summer. And wow, how lucky I am that you are my first. A group that the administrator has managed. You have made my summer invaluable. Interesting and fun. I know you lot smash everything you take on. Wishing you all the best. And a very happy summer and good luck with the projects. “yours," she said.

About Creative Summer Jobs 2025

In the summer of 2021, the City of Hafnarfjörður, in collaboration with the city's youth centre, Hamarinn, decided to revive the “Creative Summer Jobs” project, which had been run in the summer of 2017. Individuals and groups aged 18-25 were then invited to submit ideas for creative projects in Hafnarfjörður. Selected groups are still given the opportunity to work on various creative projects in different artistic fields, which also enliven the town's social life, delighting tourists and residents in one way or another. The staff of Creative Summer Jobs, run as part of the Hafnarfjörður Summer School, are tasked with bringing the town to life, making it more fun, beautiful and diverse with artistic and creative events. The projects are varied and appeal to different age groups and interests. Þorbjörg Signý Ágústsson is the project manager for Creative Summer Jobs.

Yes, art most certainly has a future!