Iceland Airwaves, Reykjavik’s top music festival, has launched a new venture—the Iceland Airwaves Exchange. This program fosters cross-cultural collaboration by linking Icelandic artists with North American music festivals. The first partnership, with New York City’s New Colossus Festival, kicks off a vibrant cultural exchange, promoting talent and collaboration across borders.
For years, Iceland Airwaves has attracted music lovers to Reykjavik every November. As it marks its 25th anniversary, the festival remains renowned for blending international and local talent. This year, the Iceland Airwaves Exchange brings collaboration to a new level.
Parag Bhandari, Founder & CEO of UG Strategies (UGS), expressed his enthusiasm: “After attending Iceland Airwaves for several years, it’s exciting to deepen the relationship and produce the Iceland Airwaves Exchange with Iceland Airwaves and Icelandair. Iceland Airwaves stands out in the international music scene. We look forward to launching this program with the New Colossus Festival in New York, Bull City Summit in Durham, and more to come.”
The Partnership with the New Colossus Festival
In partnership with New York City’s New Colossus Festival, the program offers unique opportunities for artists. The New Colossus Festival, founded in 2019, quickly became a key platform for emerging talent. This collaboration aligns with its mission to spotlight international artists in the U.S.
The exchange lets Icelandic artists perform in New York while bringing American artists to Reykjavik. This mutual arrangement showcases Iceland’s music scene and introduces new influences to Icelandic audiences.
Expansion Plans: Beyond New York
The Iceland Airwaves Exchange is also expanding beyond New York. Plans include partnering with Durham, North Carolina’s Bull City Summit and other locations serviced by Icelandair. This growth will offer more opportunities for artists to reach diverse audiences.
Participating artists can earn slots at both Iceland Airwaves and the New Colossus Festival. They will also receive round-trip flights and hotel accommodations. This initiative aims to boost exposure for Icelandic musicians while offering North American artists a stage in Reykjavik. It fosters a vibrant exchange of culture and creativity.
The Impact of Iceland Airwaves
Since 1999, Iceland Airwaves has become a key event in global music. Performances span multiple venues in downtown Reykjavik. The festival features a dynamic mix of established and emerging artists. The combination of this lineup with Iceland’s natural beauty creates an unforgettable experience.
The Iceland Airwaves Exchange demonstrates the power of music to connect cultures. By facilitating artist exchanges, the program enriches the cultural landscape in both Iceland and North America. It highlights the importance of collaboration, offering artists unique opportunities to grow and reach new audiences.
Comments from Key Partners
Isleifur Thorhallsson, Festival Manager for Iceland Airwaves, said: “The Iceland Airwaves Exchange allows international artists to visit Iceland and showcase their talent. It also lets Icelandic artists do the same in the U.S. and beyond.”
Steven Matrick, Co-Founder of the New Colossus Festival, shared similar excitement: “Partnering with the Iceland Airwaves Exchange is thrilling and aligns with our mission.”
The launch of the Iceland Airwaves Exchange is a major step in promoting cultural exchange through music. By connecting artists from different regions, the program boosts their visibility and enriches the culture of participating areas. As it expands to more festivals and cities, it will bring exciting opportunities for artists and audiences alike.