Residents of Skerjafjörður have repeatedly complained to the city authorities about the art in the old bar and noise from the concert venue. The city of Reykavik has now banned all events there, reports Vísir.
Called Tóma Rýmið, or Empty Space, the venue is managed by art collective Klúbburinn. Art collective Klúbburinn has leased space from the city of Reykjavik through an arts initiative (Skapandi Borg) that promotes art in the capital.
At the time of signing, the group clarified that they would use the space to host concerts.
“This space was supposed to be allocated for artists to practice and stage artistic events. That was in the contract,” said Urður Bergsdóttir, one of Empty Space’s representatives. say.
Over the past year and a half, the venue has hosted concerts, raves and plays of all kinds.
“I think this is a unique place on the art scene. Musician Diego Manatrizio, who organized an event in the space, says:
However, according to the city of Reykjavik, the art collective never applied for the necessary permits to host the event.
Residents of the area have repeatedly complained about noise from the venue late at night, and as a result the collective has been barred from holding events until the necessary permits are obtained.
It is clear that a lot of construction work would have to be done on the building for such a permit to be granted. There is none.
“If we don’t get support from the city, we have no choice but to close this business,” says Collective member Birnir Jón Sigurðsson.
Union members have not received direct complaints from residents, but they take them seriously and are ready to make improvements in order to continue all activities.
They hope the city will step in and provide the necessary funds to improve the building and make it suitable for the event.
“We’re just begging the city. Help us,” Urzul says.
