An art and concert venue in Skerjafjörður has been forced by city authorities to cease holding events after persistent noise complaints from local residents, reports Vísir.
The venue, called Tóma Rýmið, or Empty Space, is managed by the art collective, Klúbburinn. The collective leased the space from the City of Reykjavík through the art initiative Skapandi Borg, which seeks to promote the arts in Reykjavík. According to the group, it was understood at the time of signing that the space would be used for concerts. As such, they claim it is unfair for the city to prevent them from using the space as it was intended.
In the last two years, the old bar as hosted numerous shows, raves, and theater productions, and members of Klúbburinn are fighting to keep the venue alive.
In a statement to Vísir, Diego Manatrizio, event manager for the collective, said: “I think this is a unique place in the art scene. We provide a space for many projects that could probably not find a place anywhere else, projects that are first presented here.”
However, not all agree, and the City of Reykjavík also claims that the art group never applied for the necessary permits to hold events.
Local residents are also unhappy with the venue, saying that the shows last too late into the night and are far too noisy.
The art collective, however, has expressed the desire to improve conditions to be able to continue using the space. Birnir Jón Sigurðsson, a member of the collective, stated that they took the complaints seriously and were ready to make changes. However, he said, “If we don’t get help from the city, we’ll have to close the business.”
