Reykjavik Arts Festival will take place 1-16 June 2024.

The Reykjavík Arts Festival is honored to announce that the newly elected President of Iceland, Mrs. Halla Tómasdóttir, has graciously accepted the role of Patron of our festival. Mrs. Tómasdóttir continues the tradition of Icelandic presidents providing their esteemed support to the festival.

In addition, we are pleased to share that Mr. Björn Skúlason, the spouse of President Tómasdóttir, has kindly agreed to take on the role of Patron of the Eyrarrósin award. This biennial award, a collaboration between the Reykjavík Arts Festival, the Icelandic Regional Development Institute (Byggðastofnun), and Icelandair, honors outstanding cultural initiatives outside the capital region.

As we welcome our new patrons, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the former President of Iceland, Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, for his unwavering support of the Reykjavík Arts Festival during his presidency. We are equally grateful to his spouse, Mrs. Eliza Reid, for her dedicated support and commitment to the Eyrarrósin award.

Photograph: President of Iceland, Mrs. Halla Tómasdóttir, and spouse of the President, Mr. Björn Skúlason. Photographer: Sigurjón Ragnar.

New Patrons of Reykjavik Arts Festival and Eyrarrosin

The board of Reykjavík Arts Festival has hired Lára Sóley Jóhannsdóttir as the Artistic Director of Reykjavík Arts Festival from next fall for a duration of four years.

Lára Sóley completed a master's degree in Arts Management from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2019. She has worked for several years as a violinist and freelance project manager. In the years 2010-2014, she was a Project Manager at Menningarhúsið Hof in Akureyri and served as Hof's interim Managing Director. Lára Sóley has held the position of Managing Director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra since 2019.

"I am extremely grateful to the Festival board for the trust and unique opportunity. Reykjavík Arts Festival is an important and ambitious festival that builds bridges between different art forms, artists and visitors. For decades, the festival has enriched our cultural life and brought us splendid events, collaborated with excellent artists and provided opportunities that have led to progress in the cultural life in Reykjavík. I will do my very best to ensure that the festival continues to grow and develop and give us all the opportunity to enjoy the best and most interesting arts projects, both from the Icelandic art scene and from abroad," says Lára Sóley.

"Reykjavík Arts Festival has been an important part of Icelandic art and culture for more than half a century. Lára Sóley is the first artistic director of the festival who comes from the field of music. From there, she has extensive experience which will be exciting to see enrich the Festival. Lára Sóley takes over from the very successful Artistic Director, Vigdís Jakobsdóttir, and the Festival board thanks Vigdís for her excellent work for the festival," says Sigtryggur Magnason, chairman of the Reykjavík Arts Festival board.

The position of Artistic Director of the Reykjavík Art Festival was advertised according to the Festival charter, and a total of 18 applications for the position were received. Due to a conflict of interest, one member of the board resigned from the recruitment process.

More information gives Sigtryggur Magnason. 

Lára Sóley Artistic Director of Reykjavík Arts Festival

The 2024 Reykjavík Arts Festival will kick off on Saturday June 1, with the formal opening taking place at Hafnarhús, Reykjavík Art Museum at 2pm. Minister of Culture Lilja D. Alfreðsdóttir will host a reception where the festival's Artistic Director Vigdís Jakobsdóttir and museum director Ólöf Kristín Sigurðardóttir will address guests.

At the same time, Jónsi's solo exhibition Flood will open at the museum, inviting visitors into an immersive world of sounds, light and scent. Flood is this renowned artist's first solo exhibition in Europe.

Also appearing at the opening reception is the Polish-Ukrainian band DAGADANA whose concert at Harpa on Sunday is not to be missed.

The Iceland Dance Company along with dancers from the street dance scene will present an excerpt from Hooman Sharifi's work, While in battle I'm free, never free to rest, which is premiering at the Reykjavík City Theatre on June 7.

Guests will also be treated to a sneak peek at choreographer Ásrún Magnúsdóttir's work Duets, to be performed at the Reykjavík City Theatre on June 9.

There will be festival magic in the air outside Iðnó where the band Hnokkar will start playing at 2.40pm. They will then dance and sing on their way over to Hafnarhús to pick up reception guests in time for The Sea Monsters, a street theatre event for all ages. The Sea Monsters were created by the circus company Hringleikur and Pilkington Props.

Be with us from the start - don't miss the opening day of the 2024 Reykjavík Arts Festival!

From Reykjavik Arts Festival we extend warm wishes to our friends and valued supporters for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We are grateful for your friendship and collaboration throughout the past year.

We eagerly anticipate the dawn of the coming year and look forward to welcoming you all at the next edition of our festival, taking place 1-16 June, 2024.

In the accompanying video, you'll be treated to a delightful snippet of Lise Davidsen‘s extraordinary voice. Ms. Davidsen will give a recital in Harpa Concert Hall on the opening day of the festival.

Holiday Greetings

More news

New Patrons of Reykjavik Arts Festival and Eyrarrosin

Lára Sóley Artistic Director of Reykjavík Arts Festival

Opening reception and festivities