Interesting opportunities for musicians continue to roll in, whether for promotion, creation, or networking. Here are the main application deadlines that have landed in the Tónlistarmiðstöð inbox over the past few weeks. We recommend that anyone interested in these opportunities sign up for Iceland Music's newsletter

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Iceland

Tíbrá

Applications are now open for the Tíbrá concert series at Salurinn for the 2026–2027 season.

The Tíbrá series has established itself among music lovers as an essential part of the country’s classical music scene. Through Tíbrá, Salurinn seeks to offer live performances where traditional classical concerts are paired with experimentation, new approaches, and even challenges to the concert format.

The application deadline is February 15th.

Apply here

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Upprásin

Applications for Upprásin 2026-2027 are now open!

Upprásin is a monthly grassroots concert series hosted by Harpa, Reykjavik Music City and Rás 2. The series welcomes artists and bands of all ages and genres. Since its launch in 2023, the project has received hundreds of applications; in 2024, the initiative was expanded to provide more slots for performing artists. Upprásin was nominated for Event of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards and received a "Shout out" nomination at the Reykjavík Grapevine Music Awards.

All interested artists are encouraged to apply.

The application deadline is March 30th.

Apply here

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State of the Art

One of Iceland’s most progressive music festivals, State of the Art, is now accepting applications.

The festival, which will take place around Reykjavík 6-11 Oct, weaves together diverse genres and currents, presenting music in unconventional contexts. It is not bound by a single musical or artistic movement; instead, it places classical music in fresh perspectives, bridges artists from different disciplines, and invites those who have never collaborated before into new creative landscapes.

The application deadline is March 15

Apply here

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Big Bang Festival

The Big Bang Festival is an adventurous European music festival for young audiences. The festival aims to increase children's access to music, and admission is free to all events. The festival is currently seeking engaging and creative music events designed for young listeners; selected acts receive a fee and the opportunity to work under the guidance of a director. BIG BANG takes place on the first day of summer, April 23, 2026, at Gerðuberg in Reykjavík.

Further information and applications should be sent by February 15 to the email address info@listfyriralla.is

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‍‍Smellasmíði

On Monday, February 16th, STEF will host a pop songwriting workshop titled "Smellasmíði"

The instructors are Birgir Steinn Stefánsson and Bjarki Ómarsson (Bómarz). Both have achieved significant success in recent years—Birgir as a singer and songwriter for himself and others, and Bjarki as a writer and producer. They led a similar workshop last year which was oversubscribed.

The course covers the core elements of pop songwriting, and participants will receive guidance on developing their ideas. The workshop takes place at STEF headquarters, Laufásvegur 40, between 17:00 and 20:00.

Space is limited. If applications exceed capacity, the organizers reserve the right to select participants. The registration fee is 3,000 ISK. While the workshop is open to everyone, priority will be given to young and emerging creators.

Register here

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Showcase Festivals

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Womex

is calling for applications from artists, DJs, filmmakers, and industry professionals. Applications are open in four categories: Showcase, Club Summit, Film, and Conference.

The event, held in Gran Canaria from October 21–25, is arguably the most international music festival in the world and the most important conference for the global music scene. It features a mix of folk, global electronic music, jazz, and classical, along with various cross-genre collaborations.

Tónlistarmiðstöð has hosted a booth at the festival for several years, serving as a hub for Icelandic artists and professionals in attendance. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the application process.

The application deadline is February 26.

Apply here

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SHIP

The Croatian showcase festival SHIP is now calling for applications. The festival takes place in the medieval city of Šibenik from September 10th–13th. Now in its fourth year, SHIP is growing rapidly and despite its young age and has already established itself as a vital networking and discovery hub for the European music industry.

Iceland Music attended the festival last year along with the party-starters Inspector Spacetime. Additionally, representatives from SHIP visited Iceland Airwaves last year, reflecting the strong current connection between the two countries' music sectors.

The application deadline is February 16th.

Apply here

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Folkelarm

Folkelarm, one of the Nordic region’s most vital platforms for folk music and dance, is now calling for applications. The festival will take place in Oslo from November 19–22.

The primary objective of Folkelarm is to promote Nordic folk artists to Norwegian, regional, and international delegates, creating opportunities for musicians and dancers to perform on stages both at home and abroad.

The application deadline is March 1st.

Apply here

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MMVV

The Catalan showcase festival Mercat de Música Viva de Vic (MMVV) is calling for artists to perform at its upcoming edition, held in the city of Vic from September 16–20. Now in its 38th year, the festival features an ambitious music conference alongside a concert program staged throughout the city.

The application deadline is March 31.

Apply here

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Awards

Bucharest International JAZZ Competition

Registration is now open for the Bucharest International Jazz Competition. One of the largest jazz competitions in Europe, it is held alongside EUROPAfest in Bucharest, Romania, from July 3rd to 11th. The competition is seeking solo artists and bands (up to 6 members) under the age of 45. There is a registration fee of €140, and the festival provides all necessary equipment and sound technicians.

The application deadline is March 1st.

Apply here

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