10 million króna allocated to strengthen music venues and support rehearsal space
The City is reinstating the music venue improvement fund, setting aside 10 million króna for distribution this year. This initiative aims to bolster music venues in the city center. An additional 2 million króna will support the development of rehearsal facilities at Hlemmur for 12 to 18 bands.
A sprint group dedicated to live music in Reykjavík submitted its action recommendations on Feb. 27th Tasked with assessing the city's live music scene, the group proposed improvements to concert facilities to benefit musicians, venues, residents, and visitors alike. Findings reveal that venues face systemic operational challenges, prompting the sprint group to warn that the state of live music in Reykjavík's city center demands immediate action before the Icelandic music scene suffers decades of lasting damage. Increasing the visibility and accessibility of live performances is essential. Targeted action can reverse this trend and strengthen the position of Icelandic music.
Lasting and significant impact
The sprint group submitted four recommendations, including a call to reinstate the music venue improvement fund. Operating successfully from 2020 to 2022, the fund supported small and mid-sized music venues in Reykjavík, alongside culture houses hosting live performances. These grants have delivered lasting and significant results. The Culture and Sports Council gave its approval on April 10 to reinstate the fund, making 10 million krónur available for distribution this year.
The group's remaining recommendations will go to the City Executive Council. These proposals include simplifying the licensing process and formally recognizing music venues as vital cultural infrastructure.
Music City supports the development of rehearsal space at Hlemmur Haus
Music City Reykjavík also plans to support Hafnarhaus in developing rehearsal spaces at Laugavegur 114-116, the building known as Hlemmur. Haus.
The space will feature four rehearsal rooms serving 12 to 18 bands with musicians between the ages of 15 and 30. The site will also offer a shared area featuring a stage and a recording studio. The Hlemmur location is ideal for this project — transportation links are strong, and bands will work in a creative, artistic environment. Numerous artists use studios and workspaces on the building's upper floors, and the Reykjavík School of Visual Arts is located nearby.
Over the past year, Music City has shifted its priorities to better reflect the music community's needs. Because rehearsal spaces and live performance facilities are in short supply, Music City has redirected support away from established projects toward rehearsal infrastructure and live music, where the need is most urgent.
Shortage of rehearsal space for youth
Music City notes that its support for rehearsal facilities at Hafnarhaus is entirely separate from any measures related to the Music Development Center (TÞM). This support for Hafnarhaus — totaling 2 million króna — comes from Music City's own budget and is made possible by the recent reallocations and priority shifts. Supporting this project will make a real difference, given the severe shortage of rehearsal space for young musicians in Reykjavík. Developing rehearsal spaces at Hafnarhaus, alongside the continued growth of the Music Development Center, will significantly strengthen Reykjavík City's offerings for musicians — ensuring it remains a city where artists choose to live and work.
