Proposals will be developed to improve concert venues
A task force will be appointed to develop proposals on how to improve facilities for live music venues in Reykjavík. The group will include representatives from Music City Reykjavík, Iceland Music, the Music Council, and concert organizers.
According to Music City, the condition of smaller concert venues in Reykjavík is poor, and the organization believes urgent action is needed. The proposal to establish the task force received unanimous approval at a meeting of the City's Culture and Sports Council. The explanatory statement accompanying the proposal states in part: "Music is an important social force and an independent source of cultural and economic value, while also serving as a pathway for significant opportunities in a vibrant urban environment. By systematically supporting concert venues in the city, Reykjavík City can foster even greater development of a vibrant music scene with the cultural, social and economic benefits that come with it."
A 2017 working group report from Music City on the situation for live music performances revealed a significant deterioration in the city's live music venues. Previously, Reykjavík had a good supply of smaller venues that could accommodate 100-300 attendees, but the number of well-equipped spaces for such performances has decreased significantly. The situation has even attracted international attention, with The Guardian publishing a major article on the state of Reykjavík's live music scene.
The task force will develop proposals for actions to reverse this decline and proactively address venue issues for Music City Reykjavík. The goal is to provide effective and sustainable support for the city's live music scene, for the benefit of the Icelandic public, tourists, and musicians. The group will deliver interim results by Jan. 15, 2026, and final proposals by March 1, 2026.