Artists and craftspeople to move into former prison building

Artists and craftspeople will set up workshops in the former Hegningarhúsið prison building on Skólavörðustígur, mbl.is reports. Actor and goldsmith Erling Jóhannesson and his colleagues have signed a letter of intent with real estate company Storð to operate workspaces for arts and crafts professionals there.

“This is an idea we have been carrying around for some time, and we feel it fits perfectly there,” Jóhannesson said.

The building has been undergoing renovation since 2020. The exterior was first restored to its original appearance, followed by interior work. A food pavilion has also been built in the backyard.

The renovations are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, when the operators will take over the building. The decision on its future use had been pending, but it has now been determined that it will become a base for craftspeople.

Jóhannesson is preparing the project with goldsmith Halla Bogadóttir and Lovísa Óladóttir, former managing director of Bíó Paradís. He said the building’s many rooms would suit a range of activities, including textile work, woodcarving, goldsmithing and ceramics.

Workshops will be located in the former prison cells. The building will also include a shop, exhibition space and areas for events.

“We want to create a community of arts and crafts professionals who could run a shop in the building, providing an economic foundation for the operation,” Jóhannesson said. “This can be a venue for this work on a broad basis, while also giving the public a reason to visit to see beautiful crafts and culture. I think these elements come together beautifully.”

The 12 former cells vary in size and can accommodate between one and three artists each. The plan is for 15 to 20 people to work in the building.

A presentation meeting for interested craftspeople will be held next Thursday, covering the operating arrangements, rent, facilities and the organisation of the shop and exhibition spaces. Interested parties will be invited to tour the building the following day.

If the plans proceed, the group will take over the building around the new year. Jóhannesson said the time before then would be used to finalise the arrangements, with operations expected to be fully underway in February or March.