Now that the new year has begun, opportunities are pouring in for musicians, whether to create something new or promote older work. Here are the main application deadlines that have landed in the Music Center (Tónlistarmiðstöð) inbox over the past week or so.

We recommend that everyone interested in such opportunities sign up for Iceland Music's newsletter.

Iceland

The Icelandic Music Awards

The harvest festival for Icelandic musicians, the Icelandic Music Awards, will be held in Silfurberg, Harpa, on Wednesday evening, March 18th.Time is running out! The deadline to submit projects of all kinds, across all music categories, is midnight tonight, Friday, January 16th!

‍[Apply here]

Hannesarholt

Hannesarholt has opened applications for concert bookings this year. They encourage everyone to apply—all musical genres, young and old, and everyone in between!

Applications will be accepted until February 15th.

[Apply here]

Hamraborg Festival

Hamraborg Festival is calling for applications from creative people of all kinds, challenging us all to participate and reveal the mysteries of Hamraborg.The festival will be held for the fifth time at the end of August. Applications are open until February 12th.

[Apply here]

Kjarvalsstofa in Paris

The City of Reykjavík and the Ministry of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education are calling for applications for a residency at Kjarvalsstofa in Paris for the period of May 2026 – April 2027.

Kjarvalsstofa is a studio apartment/workspace in central Paris, near Notre Dame. The space is 40 square meters and part of the international artist center Cité Internationale des Arts, which houses over 300 artists from around the world each year.

Applications should specify the goals of the stay, the projects the applicant intends to work on, and whether there are specific connections to Paris or France regarding networking or research.Applications are accepted through January 31st.

[Apply here]

Showcase Festivals

SHARPE (Slovakia)

SHARPE is a music festival and conference in Bratislava. The festival focuses on introducing innovative and fresh music from Slovakia, Europe, and beyond. The eighth edition takes place April 24–25, 2026, featuring over 40 concerts across 4 stages.Deadline: January 17th.

‍[Apply here]

The Great Escape (UK)

The Great Escape (TGE) is calling for applications from artists interested in performing at this year's festival, held May 13–16. TGE is an annual showcase festival in the seaside city of Brighton and is the largest of its kind in the UK.Deadline: February 15th, 2026.

‍[Apply here]

SHIP Festival (Croatia)

SHIP Festival in Croatia has opened for applications. The festival will be held for the fourth time from September 10–13 in the medieval castle city of Šibenik. Despite its young age, the festival has grown rapidly and is one of the most important showcase festivals in Eastern Europe.Deadline: Not yet announced.

‍[Apply here]

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