Reykjavík Art Museum Engages 600 Teens on Climate Through Art

The Reykjavík Art Museum revived a dormant summer programme to bring 600 teenagers into the museum to explore climate change through contemporary art. The project, led by Education and Mediation Manager Ariana Katrín Katrínardóttir, partnered with the Reykjavik School of Work, a city programme offering paid summer employment to 14–16-year-olds. Teenagers visited the museum in groups during their workday, ensuring equitable access. The exhibition "Höfuðskepnur" (Elements), curated by Markús Þór Andrésson, featured contemporary Icelandic artists responding to environmental change. The museum redesigned its space with sofas and beanbags, and educators used an informal, humorous tone to build trust. The creative component emphasized time-based art—video, performance, happenings—to avoid material waste. Participants' works were exhibited during Reykjavik Culture Night. Katrínardóttir, who participated in the original 1990s programme as a teenager, distilled lessons: be welcoming, comfortable, fun, and trusting. The project was presented at the Green Museums Summit.