Tuesday Threads - Empathfridges: A story of freedges and invisible family members
EMPATHFRIDGES: A STORY OF FREEDGES AND INVISIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS is the title of the third lecture in the Tuesday Threads series, held at The Settlement Exhibition, Aðalstræti, on 27 May at 16:00. Free entry – all are welcome! Please note: The lecture will be in Icelandic. This time, ethnologist Rakel Jónsdóttir will present her recent research on freedgess in Iceland. Freedges are shared refrigerators located outdoors in public spaces where anyone can bring food to put in the refrigerators and also pick up the food they want.
Upon closer inspection, it seems that there is more to giving and receiving food from a freedge than simply reducing food waste. These activities are closely linked to empathy and emotions. The study, conducted during the period 2021-2023, aimed to investigate the emotional experiences of those who regularly donate to freedges and examine what meaning people attach to this practice. Part of the research was the documentary Empathfridges, which draws attention to the importance of freedges, their purpose and their place in public space. At the end of the talk, the film will be screened, which won the award for best documentary at the Stockfish Film Festival in 2024. The event is presented in collaboration between the Reykjavík City Museum and the Icelandic Folklorists’ Association. Accessibility: The Aðalstræti venue is wheelchair accessible. However, please note that the lighting inside the Settlement Exhibition is quite dim, and parts of the floor are uneven. Service dogs are welcome in the museum. Public Transport: The nearest bus stops are MR and Ráðhúsið (a 2-5 minute walk). Parking: We recommend parking at Ráðhúsið (City Hall) and the parking garage on Vesturgata.