SVARTARKOT CULTURE NATURE (SCN)
"Examine the relationship between culture, sustainability and human responsibility..."
ABOUT Svartarkot Culture - Nature
Svartarkot Culture - Nature (SCN) is a concept program inspired by Svartarkot farm in Northern Iceland. The program is managed by Reykjavik Academy (RA) in cooperation with Svartarkot's farmers, and supported by grants and tuition payments.
SCN will have a two-fold aim:
1) Offer summer courses to small groups of international Masters and PhD students,
2) Offer lectures and services to Professors and Universities who bring their own students as a part of their curriculum.
SCN and RA will also offer expert assistance and support to those who wish to submit grant applications through RA.
SCN will hold some lectures at Reykjavik Academy, but the bulk of the courses/classes will be held at Kidagil hostel and community center in Bardardal valley near Svartarkot farm.
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About SVARTARKOT FARM
Svartarkot means Black river croft, and is a working sheep farm at the southern most part of Bardardalur valley in northern Iceland. It sits right on the edge of the uninhabitable interior and can be seen a symbol for harmony as well as struggle between culture and nature.
In addition to sheep, the farmers at Svartarkot maintain trout fishing business by selling fishing license and home smoked trout. They are also experienced guides with vast knowledge of the interior, and lead both hiking tours and mountain jeep excursions.
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About BARDARDALUR
Bardardalur valley extends about 45 kilometers from north to south and is bisected by Skjalfandafljot river, which originates in Vatnajokull glacier to the south and terminates in Godafoss waterfalls to the north. The valley has been the site of farms for centuries and remnants of settlements can be seen along the river and on the heaths. A slow decline in agriculture has gradually depleted the valley community, leaving only a handful of working dairy and sheep farms today.
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About KIDAGIL
Kidagil hostel and community center is located in the center of Bardardalur valley and offers an easy commute to Svartarkot farm as well as to nearby areas of interest, such as lake Myvatn, the town of Husavik and Godafoss waterfalls. Because of its past as a boarding school it has a built-in classroom, a large kitchen/dining room and sleeps up to 35 people, which makes it suitable for lectures and gatherings.
