On Thursday, 9 January, a reception was held at Iceland Music to honour the grant recipients of the Music Fund's first allocation for 2025. This marks the second time awards have been distributed across all departments of the Music Fund, which was established last year.

María Rut Reynisdóttir, Managing Director of Iceland Music, welcomed guests and grant recipients to the event. Musician Árný Margrét performed two songs for the attendees, and Logi Einarsson, Minister for Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education, addressed the gathering and presented bouquets to the recipients of the largest grants. Representatives of the allocation committees also provided an overview of the results.

"The allure of music generates income and value far beyond what we invest in it. Despite repeated calculations, advocates for the creative industries constantly find themselves justifying state support for the arts. The multiplier effect on the economy is undeniable, yet there are those who suggest that musicians who fail to achieve sufficient popularity should simply find other careers. This attitude reflects significant short-sightedness – perhaps more now than ever. In an era where artificial intelligence can churn out thousands of songs at the click of a button, it has never been more crucial to support true creative talent – this fundamental human drive that unites people and transcends borders. We should support music born from humanity, music that conveys genuine emotions, challenges us, or brings us together. Therefore, we must support the creative industries not just for the economy, but for humanity itself!"

– Logi Einarsson, Minister for Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education

A total of 424 applications were submitted to the fund, with just over ISK 77 million available for distribution.

The largest music grants in the creative development and publishing category were awarded to Bríet, Celebs, Elín Hall, hist og, Jelena Ciric, Jófríður Ákadóttir, Kári Egilsson, Sara Mjöll Magnúsdóttir, and Valdimar, each receiving ISK 1.5 million.

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The largest performance grants in the live performance category, amounting to ISK 2 million each, were awarded to Barokkbandið Brák and Kammeróperan. Additionally, the Youth Symphony Orchestra received a grant of ISK 1.5 million.

No new long-term agreements were granted, but the following projects have valid long-term agreements for 2025:

• Nordic Affect – ISK 2.5 million (2025–2026)
• Caput – ISK 6 million (2024–2026)
• Reykjavík Chamber Orchestra – ISK 5 million (2024–2026)
• Cauda Collective – ISK 1 million (2024–2025)

The largest business development grants in the development and infrastructure category, amounting to ISK 3 million each, were awarded to INNI, Reykjavík Jazz Festival, and OPIA Community. Additionally, Kona forntónlistarhátíð received a grant of ISK 2.5 million.

No new long-term agreements were granted in this allocation, but the following projects have valid long-term agreements for 2025:

• Dark Music Days – ISK 4 million (2025–2026)
• Opera Days – ISK 4 million (2024–2026)
• Song Festival in Hafnarborg – ISK 2 million (2024–2026)
• Reykholt Festival – ISK 1 million (2024–2026)
• Bræðslan – ISK 1.5 million (2024–2026)
• Summer Concerts in Skálholt – ISK 4 million (2024–2025)
• Iceland Airwaves – ISK 6 million (2024–2026)
• Mengi – ISK 3 million (2024–2025)

The largest marketing grants in the export category were awarded to Ólöf Arnalds (ISK 2 million) and Árný Margrét (ISK 1.5 million).

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Further information about awarded grants and their distribution across the Music Fund's departments can be found here >>

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