Unlocking Creative Freedom: The Icelandic Artists’ Salary Fund (Listamannalaun)
For independent designers, painters, writers, stage artists, musicians, and composers, the Icelandic Artists’ Salary Fund—Listamannalaun—is a beacon of support and often the primary source of income. Imagine being able to focus on your art without constant financial stress. This national fund offers a lifeline to creatives, providing them with monthly salaries to pursue their projects.
What is Listamannalaun?
Listamannalaun is an Icelandic government initiative designed to support artists across various fields, from visual arts to performing arts and music. The fund allows independent creators to apply for salaries, ensuring they have the financial stability to focus on their craft. This support can be especially transformative for those navigating the often unpredictable nature of freelance creative work.
Who Can Apply?
This opportunity is open to individual creatives: designers, painters, writers, stage performers, musicians, and composers. If you're collaborating with other artists on a project, indicate your co-creators in your application. However, if you received more than 12 months of artist salary in the previous year, the next round won’t open.
How Does It Work?
Applicants can apply to one or more funds depending on the type of work they’re pursuing. For example, if you're a visual artist who also composes music, you can apply separately to both the Visual Arts Fund and the Composers Fund, outlining each of your projects. While the application form is in Icelandic, submissions in English are welcomed, making the process accessible to international creatives.
Each applicant sends only one application per fund, even if working on multiple projects within the same field. The Ministry of Culture and Business Affairs appoints evaluation committees to assess the applications, and decisions are typically announced in December or January.
Why Apply Early?
The application deadline is always on October 1, at midnight. However, don’t wait until the last minute! Rannís, the organization overseeing the process, closes its offices at 4 p.m. The system tends to slow down as the deadline approaches due to high traffic. Applying early can help you avoid technical issues and ensure that your submission is received on time.
How Much Is It?
For 2024, approximately 1,600 monthly salaries were distributed across six funds: designers, visual artists, writers, performing artists, musicians, and composers. Applicants requested over 9,000 months of salary this year, underscoring the fierce competition for these funds. In 2024, artists received 538,000kr per month. These payments are treated as contractor fees, allowing artists flexibility in using the support. Listamannalaun recipients must pay taxes and cover all self-employment obligations, including contributions to pension funds, health insurance, and other related fees.
Who Benefits?
In 2024, 241 artists received allocations from the salary fund. Additionally, performing arts groups received support from the Performing Arts Fund, extending this financial safety net to creative collectives. Whether you're an emerging or established artist, Listamannalaun is designed to provide you with the time and space to immerse yourself in your work, free from the pressure of immediate financial concerns.
A Final Thought
Listamannalaun is more than just a salary fund—it’s a recognition of artists' vital role in shaping culture. If you’re a creative professional in Iceland, this could be your chance to focus entirely on your passion. So, why not give it a try? Apply now and let the Icelandic Artists’ Salary Fund be the stepping stone to your next masterpiece.
More information about the application process and requirements can be found at Rannís website.