In 1991 the foundation meeting of the Gil Society was held, marking the real beginning of the construction of an Art Centre in Grófargil which is now the focal point of culture in Akureyri. This is where we find the Akureyri Art Museum, the Akureyri School of Visual Arts, new exhibition halls of varying dimensions, for example in the Ketilhúsið (the Boiler House) which can also be used for conferences. This is the location of Punkturinn, Deiglan, multiple restaurants and artists studios. The Gil Society runs an artist residency and Deiglan where there are organized art exhibitions, music and other happenings connected with the diverse and ambitious cultural life of the townspeople of Akureyri.
Properties in Grófargil were previously used for various kinds of industries under the auspices of the Eyjafjörður Co-operative Society (KEA). Later Akureyri Municipality purchased the properties and the area has now been converted into a living cultural centre in cooperation with the Gil Society and other partners in the project.
The Gilfélagið Society is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers.
Members of the board, 2023/24
Aðalsteinn Þórsson
Ásta Hrönn Harðardóttir
Karólína Baldvinsdóttir
Bryndís Símonardóttir
Anna Richardsdóttir
Arna Guðný Valsdóttir
Jana Salóme Ingibjargar Jósepsdóttir
Residency committee, 2023/24
Ólafur Sveinsson, artist
Hólmfríður Karlsdóttir, member of board
Sóley Björk Stefánsdóttir, member of public
Account inspectors, 2023/24
Kristján Helgason
Þóra Karlsdóttir