Brand new grants to boost Hafnarfjörður choirs

Hafnarfjörður choirs strengthened

Are you in a choir? Would you like to create amazing memories? The Culture and Tourism Committee of Hafnarfjörður is now accepting applications for its brand-new choir fund.

The aim of the fund is to promote choral work in Hafnarfjörður and to strengthen the cultural values, social impact, social well-being and artistic creation that accompany regular choral work. Contracts may be made for up to three years. Up to two million is allocated annually.

Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, chair of the Culture and Tourism Committee, says it is important to strengthen the choirs of Hafnarfjörður. „It's a public health matter, a spiritual treat for the people who perform in them and for those who listen. These are remarkable cultural institutions,“ she says.

„Their running hasn't been secure, but with this contribution, we are showing in practice that the choirs are an important link in the town's cultural life. I hope that our contribution in Hafnarfjörður will be an encouragement for other local authorities to strengthen and support choir work throughout the country.“

The fund focuses on strengthening a sustainable, diverse and vibrant choral life for residents of all ages, in line with the cultural policy of Hafnarfjörður. General operating and activity grants will be awarded to choirs based in Hafnarfjörður. Choirs applying must:

• Linked to Hafnarfjörður by a permanent operation
• To have regular rehearsals and an active choir programme.
• They have proven the value of sit in the community and the town's cultural life.
• To work in accordance with the objectives of the Hafnarfjörður Choir Fund.

And note: Neither grants are provided for travel, nor for the study or retraining of individuals. Nor for individual events.

How to apply? Applications should be submitted online via the Hafnarfjörður website – here. Grants are awarded regularly from the fund. We encourage choirs to apply by 16th March to ensure the fund gets off to a good start.

• See the requirements and what is being looked for in more detail. here
• Applications are considered at meetings of the Culture and Tourism Committee.

Yes, it's a life-enriching experience to be in a choir.

In the picture: Jón Ingi Hákonarson, Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasardóttir, Sigrid Foss, Valdimar Víðisson and Alexander Árnason.