Iceland review - 2015, Page 79

ICELAND REVIEW 77
the globe. “Right now the center is an
Icelandic thing,” he explains. “But we would
like to collaborate with international celeb-
rities as well, since they can and do have an
impact in these types of discussions.”
The project, though massive in scope,
has a deeply personal significance for Jón:
“When one mentions peace to people,
sometimes they just laugh or roll their eyes.
Some people even have prejudice towards
peace. However, I think it’s a basic human
need to experience peace, security, and
safety. It’s something everyone longs for,
so for me it’s definitely worth pursuing and
promoting.”
LITERARY LEGACY
Named one of only 11 UNESCO Cities
of Literature in 2011, Reykjavík has also
quickly garnered an international repu-
tation for being a wellspring of inspi-
ration for book enthusiasts and aspiring
writers alike. Lára Aðalsteinsdóttir and
parliamentarian Óttarr Proppé—two indi-
viduals who help oversee the UNESCO
project—have copious ideas for cultivating
and expanding the capital’s growing image
as a bastion of literacy.
“Our goal is to encourage people to
read more and value literature now and in
the future,” Lára explains while describing
Reykjavík Reads, an annual city-wide festi-
val held in October, designed to promote
literacy in schools and among the public.
“This year the festival will have the theme
of women’s suffrage. … Svava Jakobsdóttir
is the author we will be highlighting, and
we intend to bring in eight new voices to
read their work, create new texts, and shed
light on Icelandic female writers.” This year
marks the 100th anniversary of women’s
right to vote in Iceland.
UNESCO is also sponsoring an inno-
vative new app project called Reykjavík
Culture Walks in order to showcase
Reykjavík’s strong literary heritage. “All
around the city, people will see special
plaques on benches and monuments,
where they can scan a code with their
smartphone and listen to podcasts about
Icelandic authors’ lives and works,” explains
Óttarr, chairman of the UNESCO project.
“I think Icelanders, especially the people
of Reykjavík, prioritize literature because,
apart from Iceland’s nature, our main cul-
tural heritage is tied to our literature. …
That’s why this initiative is so important
for us.”
Whether it’s leading the world in liter-
acy, peace negotiations, or environmental
planning, it’s obvious that Reykjavík is on
a clear path toward becoming a thriving,
cutting-edge city, where the quality of life,
love of literature and potential for prosper-
ity will continually strengthen and grow. *
URBAN LIFE
Top: Ingólfstorg square, in summer and winter. Bottom from left: Laugavegur nightlife; Celebrating Iceland’s National Day.