Aesthetics, ethics and relational being

Aesthetics, ethics and relational being

Annual Conference of the Nordic Society for Aesthetics

Hosted by the University of Iceland and the Iceland University of the Arts, June 13-15, 2024

The annual conference of the Nordic Society for Aesthetics will be held in Iceland in June 2024 and has the theme “Aesthetics, ethics and relational being”. NSAE was founded in 1983 and has held annual conferences in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. This is the first time the conference is held in Iceland.  

The theme of this year’s conference seeks to explore future applications of our existing knowledge and methods in a world faced with ever more pressing environmental crisis, political upheaval and the rise of AI.  What could be the role(s) of aesthetics in a changing world where there is a pressing need for re-thinking values, value systems, and the relationship we have to the future of the planet we inhabit? 

Practical Information

Flights to and from Iceland

For flights to and from Iceland, there are several options. We recommend the usual search engines, such as www.dohop.com

Getting from the international airport to Reykjavík

The international airport is about 50 km from Reykjavik and it takes approx. 35–40 minutes to drive from there into the city. Note; there are no trains in Iceland. The most inexpensive way to travel from Keflavík International Airport (KEF) to downtown Reykjavík is by “Flybus”. This transfer takes approximately 45 minutes. For further information you can visit the website.

Conference Venue

The buildings on campus in which the conference will take place are called Oddi and Gimli. The main cafeteria, Háma, is in Háskólatorg, but you can also have lunch in Veröld, Gróska and the Nordic House.  

The buildings on campus in which the conference will take place are called Lögberg and Háskólatorg. The main cafeteria, Háma, is in Háskólatorg, but you can also have lunch in Veröld and the Nordic House.  

 

Accommodation

Different categories of accommodation are available in Reykjavik. We anticipate that Reykjavik could be quite crowded during the conference period. Therefore, to secure the accommodation of your choice, we recommend that you book as early as possible.

  • Kea hotels (Skuggi Hotel, Storm Hotel, Sand Hotel,  Hotel Borg, Apotek Hotel and Reykjavik Lights) offers 10% discount of all prepaid rooms from June 11th to June 15th.  You can book through their website (keahotels.is) and use the discount code: ART2024. The offer is available for a limited time, from February 15th-to March 14th.   

  • Islandshotels offers you to use a discount code for the online booking engine that will grant you 10% discount from their Best Available Rate. You can book here: https://www.islandshotel.is/book-now/  and use this discount code: ADR34f6d2Ux 

Climate and Clothing

Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland enjoys a cool temperate ocean climate: cool in summer and fairly mild in winter. The average Celsius temperature in April is around 6 degrees (equals 43 Fahrenheit). In general, the weather is fairly unpredictable therefore visitors should be prepared for the unexpected. An old saying states: “If you don’t like the weather in Iceland – just wait a minute.” We recommend that you bring along lightweight woolens, a sweater or cardigan, a rainproof (weatherproof) coat and sturdy walking shoes.

Swimming-pools and spas in Reykjavik

There are 7 public swimming-pools in Reykjavik. This means basically swimming pools and hot-tubs in almost any neighborhood. The geothermal pools have been recognized as a great source of natural therapy. The pools contain swimming facilities; they all have several hot-tubs and massage tubs and a steam bath or sauna. Single ticket for adults cost 1210 kr. More information is available on the following link: https://reykjavik.is/en/swimming-pools  

Credit Cards and currency exchange

Credit Cards are widely accepted in Iceland. The major cards in Iceland are EUROPAY/MASTERCARD and VISA. Diners and American Express are also accepted. Cash can be obtained at every bank branch as well as in all ATMs. Please note that there might be a difference between the official currency exchange rate in Iceland and the exchange rate that the credit card companies charge. The Icelandic monetary unit is the “króna”. All Icelandic banks provide foreign exchange. Exchange rates of the Central Bank of Iceland can be assessed on the following website https://www.cb.is/statistics/official-exchange-rate/

It may not be possible for you to purchase Icelandic currency in your country.

Electric current

The electric current in Iceland is 220volts, 50 HZ AC. Euro plug/Schuko-Plug (CEE types).

Health, Pharmacies, Emergency and Medical help

Water is safe to drink from the tap throughout Iceland. Pharmacies are called “Apótek” and are open during normal business hours. Many are open at night. There is a medical centre or a hospital in all major cities and towns in Iceland. The emergency phone number (24 hours) in Iceland is 112.

Travel safety

Road and driving conditions, weather and other natural forces can be dangerous in Iceland so it is necessary to be well informed and prepared. The Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue therefore asks visitors to start their journey here: www.safetravel.is

Various other tourist information sites:

Excursions

Various excursions are available. For scheduled tours from Reykjavik you can click here.