Brand new grants to strengthen Hafnarfjörður choirs

Are you in a choir? Do you want to secure adventurous memories? The Culture and Tourism Committee of Hafnarfjörður is calling for applications to a brand new choir fund.

The goal of the fund is to strengthen choir activities in Hafnarfjörður and support the cultural value, social impact, well-being and artistic creation that accompany regular choir work. Agreements may be made for up to three years. Up to two million ISK is allocated annually.

Guðbjörg Oddný Jónasdóttir, chair of the Culture and Tourism Committee, says it is important to strengthen the choirs of Hafnarfjörður. It is a public health matter, spiritual confection for the people who work there and those who listen. These are remarkable cultural institutions, she says.

Their operations have not been secure, but with this contribution we show in practice that choirs are an important link in the cultural life of the town. I hope that this contribution from us in Hafnarfjörður will encourage other municipalities to strengthen and support choir work across the country.

The fund places emphasis on supporting sustainable, diverse and strong choir life for residents of all ages, in accordance with the cultural policy of Hafnarfjörður. General operational and activity grants will be provided to choirs that operate in Hafnarfjörður. Choirs applying must:

• Be connected to Hafnarfjörður through permanent activity
• Have regular rehearsals and active choir work
• Have proven their value in the community and cultural life of the town
• Operate in accordance with the goals of the Hafnarfjörður choir fund

And note: No grants are provided for travel or for education or continuing education of individuals. Nor for individual events.

How to proceed? Applications must be submitted electronically via the Hafnarfjörður website here. Funds are allocated regularly. Choirs are encouraged to apply before March 16 so the fund can get off to a good start.

• See further requirements and evaluation criteria here
• Applications are reviewed in meetings of the Culture and Tourism Committee

Yes, being in a choir is enriching.

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