The Iceland Writers Retreat is a one-week international event for writers that takes place in ReykjavÃÂk, Iceland.
The Iceland Writers Retreat (IWR) was founded in 2014 by Eliza Reid, then the First Lady of Iceland, and Erica Jacobs Green, of the United States. It has been held annually since 2014 in ReykjavÃÂk, Iceland. Iceland is known for its literary tradition, and ReykjavÃÂk is the worldâÂÂs first non-native English speaking UNESCO City of Literature. The Iceland Writers Retreat was named one of the world's best writers' retreats in The Sydney Morning Herald. Spring 2016 marked the third annual Iceland Writers Retreat, taking place 13âÂÂ17 April 2016. The fourth event was hosted from 5âÂÂ9 April 2017, with the fifth taking place 11-15 April 2018. The sixth annual Retreat is scheduled for 3-7 April, 2019.
The retreat is an international gathering, bringing together authors from many different countries. The Retreat consists of several small-group writing workshops led by acclaimed authors from around the world. There are opportunities to explore Iceland between workshops, which introduce participants to Iceland's rich literary tradition and beautiful landscapes. The Retreat includes Q & A Panels with all faculty, and social events to allow participants to network with an international group of writers.
The retreat's founding sponsor is Icelandair. It is also supported by the Icelandic Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, ReykjavÃÂk UNESCO City of Literature, the City of ReykjavÃÂk, the US Embassy in Iceland, and the Icelandic Literature Center.
Icelandic authors who have participated in the IWR through presentations and readings include: Einar Kárason, Ari Trausti Guðmundsson, Ragna Sigurðardóttir, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, JónÃÂna Leósdóttir, Andri Snær Magnason, Gerður Kristný, HallgrÃÂmur Helgason, SigurlÃÂn Bjarney GÃÂsladóttir, Jón Gnarr, Sigurbjörg Thrastardóttir, and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.