Please note that in these guidelines it is assumed that this is an full show, for adults. For smaller exhibitions, this can be used as a basis to calculate from. 

Be advised, the artist’s salary is considered the absolute minimum payment and note that the artist’s salary is defined according to regulation as a 67% percentage of full-time work, also it is a contractor fee, a monthly sum for the year 2023 ISK. 490,920 

When calculating the contractor’s markup, FÍL sets it as at least 35% surcharge, but FLÍ has indicated that at least a 40% surcharge should be calculated, this then covers all statutory wage-related expenses and those stipulated in collective bargaining agreements.

The contractor’s markup or premium is designed to cover all fees that employers must pay, such as payments to trade unions, which include the health-fund, vacation-fund and continuing education-fund; public fees, i.e. general insurance fees and … Read More »

The Association of Independent Performing Arts in Iceland (AITI) calls for immediate government rescue action. The status of independent theaters and performing arts companies has been critical since the beginning of the epidemic, and now that another COVID autumn is approaching, artists’ concerns are even greater than before.

“Those who have taken it upon themselves to close their operations for the sake of soceity must deserve the support of the soceity.” said Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister of Finance, in a speech in Althingi in April 2020. Now, just over 16 months later, independent theaters and performing arts companies are still waiting for support.

The status of small theaters and independent performing arts companies is grave following the closures and burdensome restrictions over the past 18 months. Since the epidemic, AITI’s board and managing director have pointed out to elected representatives and government offficials … Read More »

AITI has compiled an overview of the status of the performing arts in one year of COVID.

A whole year of burdensome restrictions

Theaters had to close their doors for a total of 4 ½ months.Severe gathering restrictions for public performances with proximity limits and a limited number of spectators for a total of almost 4 months during the period.Subtle restrictions for public performances were for almost 4 months in total, and for the longest time during the summer of 2020, when theater activities are at an all-time low.

Increased project funds for independent performing arts

The government responded to the effects of the pandemic in the spring with an additional allocation through the competition funds, Performing Arts Fund and Artists Salary. In May, 95 million ISK was allocated for new projects and at the end of June, 71 months were allocated from the … Read More »

Tjarnarbíó in collaboration with Reykjavík Dance Festival holds the third edition of the performing arts festival Vorblót from 15 April to 18 April.

We are looking for both ready-made works as well as works in progress to show at the festival. The works may have a broad reference to contemporary dance or works made by choreographers or dancers.

We are looking for diverse works both in terms of frame, method and concept that may take place on stage as well as elsewhere, ie. site-specific works. Tjarnarbíó is a “black box” theater and the size of the stage floor is about 9 m. in width x 11 m. at depth. The theater is well equipped with lights and sound equipment, but a simple framework for stage works should be kept in mind as rehearsal time on stage will be limited.

It is expected to … Read More »

The application deadline expired on 1 October 2020, a total of 143 applications were received from the professional independent performing arts companies and more than ISK 738 million was applied for.

The government increased its contribution to the fund by 37 million and the Performing Arts Fund will now provide 132 million to 30 professional performing arts groups in the 2021 season.

The Performing Arts Council concludes a 20 million ISK contract with Gaflaraleikhúsið for two years on the condition that Hafnarfjarðarbær makes a comparable contribution to the theater.

This year the highest project grant went to Leikhópurinn dB for Eyja or 11.2 million.

The following projects received funding: *

GroupProject nameTypeFundingContactAnimatoMærþöllÓpera391.870 kr.    Þórunn GuðmundsdóttirAquariusTilraunin Hasim – Götustrákur í Kalkútta og ReykjavíkLeikverk3.300.000 kr.Þóra Kristín ÁsgeirsdóttirEP, félagasamtökVenus Í feldiLeikverk8.000.000 kr.Edda Björg EyjólfsdóttirFerðalangar sögunnarSöguferðalangarBarnaverkLeikverkHandritGagnvirkt gönguleikhús2.700.000 kr.Tryggvi GunnarssonFimbulveturBlóðuga KanínanLeikverk10.000.000 kr.Guðmundur Ingi ÞorvaldssonFjórar kynslóðirFjórar kynslóðirDansverkLeikverk1.408.130 kr.Kolfinna NikulásdóttirForspil að framtíðForspil … Read More »

The National Theater calls for ideas for projects that would be staged in collaboration with independent performing arts groups or other parties in the season 2021-2022, in accordance with Article 6 of the Performing Arts Act (165/2019).

The National Theater seeks to foster fruitful and creative collaboration in order to strengthen the performing arts in the country and increase diversity in the theater landscape. Collaborative projects selected for performances at the National Theater will be part of its theater season and will be presented with its official selection and will have access to the expertise of the staff, as well as the theater’s spaces and equipment, cf. agreement thereon. Collaborative projects can be shown on one of the National Theatre’s stages, as part of Theatre Cellar or Attic program, and / or on tours.

Applications must be sent through the application system … Read More »

From collaboration project season 2019 – 2020

Every year, Reykjavik City Theatre offers at least two independent performing art groups welcome for collaboration. The independent performing art projects are selected by the theater director and the selection committee of the theater.

According to an agreement between Leikfélag Reykjavíkur and the City of Reykjavík, Leikfélag Reykjavíkur shall ensure that at least two performing art groups use the premises of the Borgarleikhúsið for rehearsals and performances of one project each year. The independent groups shall have free use of venue but pay Leikfélag Reykjavíkur any other expenses for their work in the Borgarleikhúsið.

According to the above, applications from theater groups for the 2021-2022 theater year are hereby advertised.

The application must be accompanied by a clear description of the project, its participants, producers and artistic directors. In addition, a detailed budget must accompany the application.

The … Read More »

Tjarnarbio Theatre calls for applications for collaborative projects in the coming year. All genres of performing arts are applicable. The selection will make up the coming season of 21/22 at Tjarnarbio Theatre. Selected works will have access to free rehearsal facilities, support in marketing and technical matters, professional advice and a favorable share of ticket sales.

Tjarnarbio also calls for artists or groups interested in having residency at Tjarnarbio Theatre. They get use of workingspaces at the theatre, access to the stage when vacant, and office space with others. Tjarnarbíó’s staff offers professional advice and support. An application for residency must contain a brief description of the project along with applicant’s CV.

The application must include a brief description of the project, a list of participants, the budget and the applicant’s CV. The application and all the material involved should be collected … Read More »

The application deadline is October 1, 2020, at 23:59.

The application asks for a description of the work, value, artist’s process and schedule. In other respects, reference is made to Regulation no. 642/2018.

Apply on My pages. Only electronic supporting documents are accepted with the application.

Answers to applicants will be received in January 2021.

Note that an application for a grant for the activities of professional performing arts groups can also be valid as an application for an artist’s salary.The Performing Arts Fund operates according to the new Act on Performing Arts 2019 no. 165.

More information about the fund can be found here – https://en.rannis.is/funding/art-culture/professional-theatre-groups-fund/

Monday evening, September 7 at 20:00 – 21:30 SL will hold an evening seminar for performing artists. Applications for artist salaries have been opened and in September applications for project funding for professional performing artists and groups will be opened.

During the seminar, there will be an introduction and discussion on how to approach the task of writing a funding application for an artistic project.

Ólöf Ingólfsdóttir will give a presentation and lead a discussion. She worked as a choreographer and performer in the performing arts. She has served on a number of award and selection committees and was a member of the Theater Council 2017 – 2018 and the artist award committee in 2013. She knows the application process for artistic projects from various angles and will share her experience at Tjarnarbíó’s educational meeting.

We ask participants to register for the … Read More »

The new board of Association of Indpendent Theatres in Iceland was elected at the association’s annual meeting on Tuesday, June 30 at Tjarnarbíó Theatre. The board now consists of Orri Huginn Ágústsson chairman of the board (On the scene), Kara Hergils co-director (Trigger Warning), Arni Kristjánsson co-director (Lakehouse Theater) and Snædís Ingadóttir co-director (Bird and Bat). New members of the board are Pálína Jónsdóttir (Reykjavík Ensemble) and Elfar Logi Hannesson (Comedy Theater).

A new board of the Tjarnarbio Theatre was elected at the association’s annual meeting on Monday, June 29 at Tjarnarbíó. The board now consists of Guðmundur Felixson (Improv Iceland), Sara Marti Guðmundsdóttir (Smartilab) and Valgerður Rúnarsdóttir (The Dance Company Luxus).

Ólöf Ingólfsdóttir presented the report of the board for the past year and can be accessed at this link – (only in Icelandic) – Skýrsla stjórnar MTB 2019 – 2020.

The annual accounts of MTB 2019 can be accessed here (only in Icelandic) – Ársreikingur MTB 2019

The minutes of the AGM can be accessed here – (only in Icelandic) – Aðalfundur MTB 29. Júní 2020

Board and members of EAIPA – Photocredits: Catharina Tews

EAIPA, the European Association of Independent and Performing Arts, currently represents the independent performing arts sector of 14 European countries. The umbrella organisation EAIPA was founded in September 2018.

EAIPA operates at B2B level, its members being interest groups or representatives of the individual member countries, which in turn represent the actors from the Independent Performing Arts field. Therefore, EAIPA represents people, companies and theatres working in Europe’s independent Performing Arts sector, and it responds to Europe’s cultural policy making by collecting up-to-date information about the field, initiating new policy proposals and by raising visibility for the needs and achievements of the sector. 

The designation ‘independent performing arts community’ comprises all professional freelance theatre makers, artistic ensembles, independent institutions and structures working in the genres of dance, theatre, performance, music, children’s and youth theatre as … Read More »

Nordic Music Days Iceland is organised by the Icelandic Composers Society, and takes place in Reykjavík from 21st – 23rd of October 2021.

Nordic Music Days has been running annually since 1888, which makes it one of the world’s oldest ongoing music festivals. The festival is administered by the Nordic Composers Council with each of the Nordic countries taking turns to manage the festival’s practical arrangements. Nordic Music Days serves as a platform for ensembles, musicians and repertoires in order to spread the music of Nordic composers.

Nordic Music Days 2021 takes place in Iceland on 21-23 October 2021 and is organized by the Icelandic Composers Society.

The theme is a guideline only, all other interpretations will be accepted. Only works by artists from or living in the Nordic region are accepted. Submissions are only allowed directly into the NMD database at http://nmdsubmission.org/

DEADLINE … Read More »

The General Assembly of Tjarnarrbio Cultural Society will be held on Monday, June 29 at. 19:30 at Tjarnarbio Theatre

Meeting agenda of the general assembly:a. Report of the Board for the past operating yearb. Audited accounts of 2019, the accounting year is the calendar yearc. Legislative amendmentsd. Election of the Boarde. Working schedule for the coming seasonf. Other issues

Ólöf Ingólfsdóttir resigns as chairman of MTB after 2 years. Bergdís Júlía Jóhannsdóttir resigns as a board member after 2 years, but Sveinn Óskar Ásbjörnsson is offering to continue his post as a board member. Sara Marti Guðmundsdóttir will remain on the Board for one more year.

Tjarnarbio is calling out for new candidates to take a seat on the board. All legitimate members of association of independent theatres in Iceland can take a seat on the board of Tjarnarbio.

The bar … Read More »

This plea has been elaborated by IETM and co-signed by Circostrada, ETC, IN SITU and EDN.

Since the outbreak of the corona-pandemic, an enormous part of the global population – people of various backgrounds, ages, values and social conditions – have been facing an abrupt suspension of regular life. Live encounters are regulated and limited. Some people are experiencing unexpected financial difficulties, others are suffering from health-related issues and anxieties. All these, combined with a great uncertainty about the future, is creating an enormous social distress, which will leave an indelible mark on our societies.

As often in times of turmoil, people are resorting to culture: literature, music, films, photography, virtual museums, dance and theatre performances transferred online or initiated in outdoor settings, respecting the social distance rules. The arts continue to carry a tremendous power of uniting people, even in times when it is … Read More »

(Photo credit: Photo is from Steinunn Ketilsdóttir’s work, Piece no. 1,5, which was shown during Vorblót 2019)

Tjarnarbio Theater in collaboration with Reykjavík Dance Festival holds the third edition of the performing arts festival Vorblót from April 2 to April 5.

We are looking for ready-made pieces to show at the festival. The works may have a wide appeal to contemporary dance or works by choreographers or dancers.

Tjarnarbio Theater and Dansverkstæðið will offer rehearsal space the week before the festival as circumstances permit. Tjarnarbio Theater is a “black box” theater and the size of the stage floor is approximately 9 m. wide x 11 m. deep. The theater is well equipped with lights and audio equipment, but we still look for a simple setting since time for transitions is scarce. Works that happen elsewhere ie. Site-Specific is also considered.

We aim to select … Read More »

The Minister of Education, Science and Culture has approved a proposal from the Drama Council for grants to performing arts groups for 2020. A total of 105 applications were received from 97 performing arts groups and total funding applications for over ISK 625 million. The 10 Fingers puppet theater will receive the highest grant this year. 10,8 million. The applicants success rate is about 19 percent.

It has been decided to allocate ISK 93,9 million for 20 projects which are divided as follows: ten plays, one children’s show, one circus show, four dance works, one of which is a children’s dance, and four operas, one of which is a children’s opera.

Article on the status of independent performing arts by Sara Marti Guðmundsdóttir and Klara Helgadóttir master’s student in Cultural Management at Bifröst University, published in Morgunblaðið newspaper on January 21, 2020

According to statistics from the Nordic Statistic database, Iceland is the most efficient of all Nordic countries to attend theaters. For example, a record number of audience attended the National Theater in the year 2018 to 2019, or about 118,000 people. It is therefore not surprising how much performing arts are flourishing in this country. Despite this record number of spectators in theaters in Iceland, it is not possible to maintain the institutional theaters with the ticket sales alone – and thus even less independent performing arts companies except with support from state and municipalities. Stage performances in Iceland are produced on the one hand by public institutions and … Read More »

Tjarnarbio Theatre calls for applications for collaborative projects in the coming year. All genres of performing arts are applicable. The selection will make up the coming season of 20/21 at Tjarnarbio Theatre. Selected works will have access to free rehearsal facilities, support in marketing and technical matters, professional advice and a favorable share of ticket sales.

Tjarnarbio also calls for artists or groups interested in having residency at Tjarnarbio Theatre. They get use of workingspaces at the theatre, access to the stage when vacant, and office space with others. Tjarnarbíó’s staff offers professional advice and support. An application for residency must contain a brief description of the project along with applicant’s CV.

The application must include a brief description of the project, a list of participants, the budget and the applicant’s CV. The application and all the material involved … Read More »