Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik’s top Nordic music festival, has launched the Iceland Airwaves Exchange. This cross-cultural program will spotlight Icelandic artists and build collaborations with North American music festivals. Icelandair and UG Strategies (UGS) present the Exchange. The first partnership is with New York City’s New Colossus Festival. More events, including Durham’s Bull City Summit, are planned. Artists who apply by August 30 will enter for a chance to perform at Iceland Airwaves in Reykjavik from November 7-9.
Now in its 25th year, Iceland Airwaves is one of the world’s leading music festivals. The event spans three days in downtown Reykjavik. Sena Live produces the festival, which mixes international headliners with emerging talent. The festival also hosts a top-tier conference. This event connects music business leaders and aims to educate the next generation of professionals.
Thoughts from the Founder and Partners
Festival Manager Isleifur Thorhallsson eagerly supports the Exchange, stating, “We are excited to partner with Icelandair and UG Strategies. This collaboration gives international artists a unique opportunity to perform in Iceland. Additionally, it opens doors for Icelandic artists to showcase their talents in the U.S., beginning with the New Colossus Festival in New York.”
Similarly, Steven Matrick, Co-Founder of the New Colossus Festival, expresses equal enthusiasm: “When we launched New Colossus seven years ago, our goal was to create valuable showcase opportunities for international artists in the U.S. Thus, partnering with the Iceland Airwaves Exchange perfectly aligns with our mission.”
Parag Bhandari, Founder & CEO of UG Strategies, adds: “After years of attending Iceland Airwaves, I’m excited to deepen our relationship. We’re eager to launch this cross-cultural music program with New Colossus in New York, Bull City Summit in Durham, and other events to come.”
Artists who play at the 2024 Iceland Airwaves or the 2025 New Colossus Festival automatically qualify for a chance to perform at the partner festival. They will receive credentials, flights, and hotel accommodations. Event organizers will contact selected artists in early September.