The Iceland Academy of the Arts is a self-governing institution providing higher education in fine arts, theatre, dance, music, design, architecture and art education. The operations of the Academy are three-fold: a common executive management, university departments, and support division/joint administration.

The Academy board is the highest decision-making body and oversees all issues pertaining to general school operations. It serves to protect the interests of the Academy and ensure that it operates according to the set objectives. The board is responsible for the administration, finances and property of the institution, determines the tuition fees and appoints the rector.

The rector acts on behalf of the board to carry out the operations and administration of the Academy, and holds ultimate responsibility. He is in charge of ensuring that school practices are carried out in accordance with the roles, objectives and standards set by the Academy, particularly with respect to curriculum and instruction. The rector chairs meetings of the Academy’s Management Council and Academic Council and calls the meeting of the Academy Forum. He also acts as the Academy’s spokesman.

The Management Council is a collaborative forum for the Academy’s executive staff. The Council discusses issues of joint concern to the departments and support divisions and supports the rector in the daily operations of the school.

The Academic Council is a collaborative forum for administrators, instructors and students at the Academy. The Council discusses the professional standards of the Academy, the quality and performance of its work, and supports the rector and management in making decisions on academic matters.

The Academy Forum is an open venue for discussing professional matters within the Academy as well as academic policy. The rector and board may seek its opinion on any and all matters pertaining to the school’s operations and development. The Academy Forum is held at least once a year.