The idea for Svartarkot as a learning and research center was conceived by the noted scholar, Vidar Hreinsson, the Executive Director of the Reykjavik Academy, when he visited the Bardardalur area in 2004. The Svartarkot farm (Black river croft) is a working sheep farm at the very edge of the rugged interior and truly represents the fragile link that remains between people and nature.  Working in accord with the Svartarkot families, Vidar set about to gage the interest of his colleagues and other farmers in Bardardalur and found very positive response.  In the summer of 2007 he conducted a successful pilot course followed by more specific courses in ensuing summers.  As the project expanded into a network of cultural and educational institutions all around Iceland, it became clear that Svartarkot should not be limited only to its physical location but could bring its concept to other places.  The project staff is now able to arrange for courses in several different areas in Iceland and provide services and arrangements as needed. The Svartarkot project aims to encourage active dialogue and cooperation between academic disciplines, a concerted effort to pool resources to awaken and increase understanding of people and culture in the context of a natural environment.

Status:

The project is currently undergoing some structural changes to better serve students and scholars, updates will be posted regularly.

Goals:

Live and Learn: In addition to arranging and conducting courses, Svartarkot will expand its operation to offer lectures, seminars and guided hikes/tours to academics and scholars travelling in Iceland.  This will be a unique way for people to connect with colleagues from different disciplines and institutions, and combine vacation with learning.  Although the main focus will be on the bond between culture and nature, seminars can be designed to delve deeper into specific issues, as per request. 

The Svartárkot Centre works with, among others, the University of Akureyri, Hólar University College, the INOR Group, and the Iceland Academy of the Arts.