Q&A

Who can apply?

Applications are open to self-employed visual artists, art historians, associations, groups, and organizations working on projects that promote the creation and dissemination of art, as well as the enhancement of knowledge about Icelandic visual arts, both domestically and internationally.

The Visual Arts Fund provides grants to support the realization of creative art projects and art research initiatives. It also funds the preparation of projects that align with the Fund’s Allocation policy.

Please note that grants are not awarded for the operational or administrative costs of associations, businesses, or organizations, nor for projects or events that have already occurred.

The Fund does not provide travel grants.

Galleries and venues are not eligible to apply for artist fees or salaries on behalf of artists. Artists seeking funding for their own salaries should apply to the Artists’ Salary Fund at the Icelandic Centre for Research (Rannís).

Can I apply in English?

While applications should ideally be submitted in Icelandic, an English version of the form is also available..

How is the application submitted?

The application form can be accessed at: myndlistarsjodur.eydublod.is/Forms

Accepted identification means are Icelandic electronic ID (rafræn skilríki). Due to system changes, Íslykill is no longer valid for logging into the portal. For assistance, please contact the Icelandic Art Center, tel. +354 562-7262 or at info@myndlistarsjodur.is

Be sure to save your application after each stage, as it may accidentally be saved as "empty" if left open in the browser for too long. Always save your progress before closing the browser.

Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are mandatory.

The application will not be considered complete until you click the "send" button at the bottom of the form.

You can view your application in the "Mínar síður" (My Pages) section under "Send erindi" (Send inquiry). If you exit the application before submission, you can return to "Mínar síður" to retrieve your form under “Erindi í vinnslu” (Inquiry in progress) on the left-hand side.

How should accompanying documents be submitted?

All supporting documents must be uploaded directly through the application system. You may submit up to 10 MB of data in JPEG, PNG, or PDF formats. Documents will not be accepted after the application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to send in a detailed project budget.

What if I encounter a problem submitting the form?

We strongly recommend submitting your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Heavy traffic on the final submission day may cause delays or problems with submission.

If you experience issues preventing you from submitting the form, please contact us tel. +354 562-7262 or at info@myndlistarsjodur.is

If you encounter technical problems when submitting your application at the last minute and cannot reach our office for help, email us before the deadline with a description of the issue, preferably with a screenshot. Please note that complaints about technical issues received after the deadline will not be accepted. Issues unrelated to the application system are generally not considered valid, as the application period lasts at least six weeks, providing ample time to address such problems.

How do I know that my application has been received?

Go to: myndlistarsjodur.eydublod.is

You can check the status of your submitted application on "Mínar síður" (My Pages) after logging in. If the application is marked as “Móttekin” (Received), it has been successfully submitted.

When can I expect to hear?

Grant decisions will be made within 5-6 weeks after the application deadline. All applicants will receive a response. Information on the grant allocations will also be published on the Visual Arts Fund’s website.

How are grant committees appointed?

The Visual Arts Council allocates grants twice a year. Grants are awarded based on professional evaluations of the applications. Each round of funding is overseen by a new committee, with applications divided among different groups. The committee will propose how the available funds should be distributed, and the Visual Arts Council usually accepts their recommendations. The Council's role in determining the recipients and amounts of grants is therefore limited.

May I make more than one application?

There is no limit to the number of applications you can submit. For instance, an applicant may receive grants for multiple projects in different categories. However, multiple applications do not guarantee success; the quality of the proposal is what matters most.

If your project involves an exhibition series or group exhibition, it is recommended that organizers submit one application covering the entire project, rather than individual applications from each participant. If participants submit separate applications, they should avoid submitting an additional application for the whole project.

Still have a question?

Further help is available at the Icelandic Art Center office, telephone +354 562–7262, or by email: info@myndlistarsjodur.is