Steinunn Kristín Guðnadóttir receives 2025 Ellý Katrín Scholarship
Steinunn Kristín Guðnadóttir has received the 2025 Ellý Katrín Scholarship. Mayor Heiða Björg Hilmisdóttir and Hjálmar Sveinsson, deputy chair of the Environment & Planning Council, presented the grant today at Höfði. Steinunn is studying abroad, so her father, Guðni Elísson, accepted the grant on her behalf.
For her master's thesis, Steinunn will research how contemporary Icelandic art engages with climate change issues and how such pieces illuminate society's perception of the climate crisis. The main focus will be on visual art that addresses the climate crisis and environmental issues, including fine arts, video works, photography, performance art and performing arts. The project also relates to Reykjavík City as a climate and cultural city, where art and policy making in climate change issues intersect and influence one another.
The research aims to better understand the attitudes toward climate change that appear in Icelandic art and how they can influence policy making and motivation for climate action. Steinunn's advisors are Helga Ögmundardóttir and Magnús Örn Sigurðsson.
Twelve applications received
The Ellý Katrín Scholarship was established in 2024 to honor the memory of Ellý Katrín Guðmundsdóttir, former Director, Chief Executive Officer and leader in environmental and climate change issues in Reykjavík. The grant is awarded annually for master's projects to encourage graduate study in environmental issues and climate change issues and advance knowledge in these areas for the future.
The scholarship received a total of 12 applications for the grant. The selection committee included: Hrönn Hrafnsdóttir, head of division for climate change issues at the Department of Environment & Planning (chair), Brynhildur Davíðsdóttir, professor at the University of Iceland, Hjálmar Sveinsson, city councilor. The project manager for the selection committee was Margrét Lára Baldursdóttir, specialist at the Department of Environment & Planning.
