Performing Arts Centre Iceland
Austurstræti 5, 4th floor
101 Reykjavík
Iceland
©2022 Performing Arts Centre
Applying for a grant is not only a way to finance a project; it is also an opportunity to clarify your artistic vision, refine your project, and develop a realistic plan for bringing it to life. This guide is based on advice from producers, arts professionals, and former members of the Performing Arts Council.
The strongest applications are rarely written in the final days before the deadline. When an idea is given time to develop, the project becomes clearer, plans become more realistic, and the application becomes stronger overall.
Projects that are given time to develop typically result in clearer applications, more realistic plans, and a stronger overall vision.
The Performing Arts Council operates according to predefined evaluation criteria. A good application answers the questions that evaluators need to consider.
If it is difficult to describe your project in simple terms, it may be a sign that the concept needs further development. Start with the core idea before moving on to detailed descriptions.
When applying to the Performing Arts Fund, applicants may also apply for artist salary support for project participants. These two funding streams are assessed together. It is therefore important to present a complete picture of the project’s costs and income.
Supports project production with a production grant. Operates under the Performing Arts Act.
Supports the work of artists through salary grants. Applying for artist salaries does not reduce the amount requested from the Performing Arts Fund.
By applying for both, the Performing Arts Council gains increased flexibility to allocate funds in the most suitable way.
Only applying for artist salary? If you are not applying for a production grant but wish to apply for artist salary, please use the dedicated application at island.is/listamannalaun
The application process is extensive and requires preparation. Allow yourself ample time to complete the application, gather supporting documents, and review all information before submission.
Present all project costs and revenues. Do not try to tailor the budget to a potential grant or specifically factor in artist salaries. Start with a realistic picture of the project.
Settu fram allan kostnað og allar tekjur verkefnisins. Ekki reyna að laga fjárhagsáætlunina að mögulegri úthlutun eða reikna listamannalaun sérstaklega inn í hana. Byrjaðu á raunverulegri mynd af verkefninu.
Salary costs are often the largest expense item of the project. Use realistic assumptions and register the actual costs required by the project.
Once salary costs have been registered, you can select which participants apply for artist grants. This creates more room for supporting the project.
CVs of all participants must accompany the application in a single PDF document. Documents will not be accepted after the application deadline – not even corrections.
The application system does not save automatically. Remember to save each page before you proceed.
It is generally recommended that grants be applied for under the ID number of a company or other legal entity rather than a personal ID number. This can simplify administration and better clarify the financial framework of the project.
Start application? Open Rannís application system →
When evaluating applications, the Performing Arts Council considers three main factors. Scores are awarded on a scale of 0–10, and the weighting of these factors is as follows.
Does the project support the development and strengthening of performing arts?
Does the project contribute to the diversity of the performing arts scene?
Who is the project intended for, and how will it reach them?
Does the project involve new ideas, methods, or approaches?
Is the project described clearly and understandably?
Is the project's progress realistic and well-organized?
Does the budget reflect the true scope of the project?
What previous works and projects are there?
What professional and artistic experience does the group possess?
Is the group establishing itself with an interesting application?
These questions reflect what the Performing Arts Council considers when evaluating applications. A strong application helps the council understand the project's value, its strengths, and how it will come to fruition.
A budget is not just an overview of costs. It's a tool that helps you shape the project and confirm its practical feasibility.
💡 Ground your idea in reality. A budget helps you answer important questions:
How many people are involved in the project?
How much time do preparation and rehearsals take?
What needs to be bought or rented?
How does the work reach people?
Calculate realistic salaries and other costs. Base them on current rates or comparable benchmarks (e.g., from FÍL) where applicable. Salaries that do not reflect actual work input can diminish the credibility of the application.
Grants are not always paid out in a single installment. Part of the grant may be paid after the project concludes and the final report has been submitted. Take this into account when preparing your financial and implementation plan.
Keep invoices, receipts, and other supporting documents as you go. When settling accounts, you must be able to demonstrate the project's expenses.
Key advice from the Performing Arts Centre's information evening on applications to the Performing Arts Fund.
Immediately clarify the project. Don't make the reader guess whether it's a dance performance, a play, or another type of performing arts project.
Can you explain the project in one or two sentences? If not, the idea might need further development.
Explain why you or your team are well-suited to undertake and execute the project.
Show how the project aligns with the goals and priorities of the fund you are applying to.
Whether it's salaries, purchased services, or marketing costs, demonstrate that the budget is based on realistic assumptions.
Read the application documents carefully, answer all questions, and ensure all supporting documents are in place.
Be specific in your descriptions instead of relying on empty adjectives.
Get an external party to read the application. However, too many comments can make the text less focused.
The best applications are rarely created in the final days before the deadline. Give the project time to develop.
The application process can help clarify your idea, strengthen your project, and define the next steps. Even if funding isn't secured right away, the effort put in will benefit future applications or opportunities.
Starting too late and submitting at the last minute
Describing the project unclearly or burying the core in a long introduction
Creating an unrealistic or too low budget
Not demonstrating how the project aligns with the fund's objectives
Underestimating participants' contributions
Submitting an application without review
This handbook is based on material from an educational evening held by the Performing Arts Centre on applications to the Performing Arts Fund, summarizing the main advice and tips presented there. This material is intended as a guide and does not replace the instructions and regulations published by Rannís.
