Kraumur Music Fund

The Board of the Kraumur Music Fund comprises Þórunn Sigurðardóttir, Ásmundur Jónsson and Pétur Grétarsson. The newly appointed Managing Director of the fund is Eldar Ástþórsson.
Kraumur Music Fund is an independent fund established by the Aurora Charity Fund. Its aim is to strengthen Icelandic musical life, primarily by supporting young musicians in performing and presenting their works. This will be done by strengthening the position of young musicians in Iceland through direct grants, professional assistance and various forms of cooperation. The fund also intends to fulfil its mission by sharing knowledge in the field, for example by courses, consulting and workshops, as well as through working in cooperation with those who share the same goals. The Board of Aurora Charity Fund explained the reason for the decision:
“Icelandic musical life has a special uniqueness, in particular because of the palpable power and boldness that characterise young musicians. The Sugarcubes and Björk pioneered the global explosion of Icelandic music, and many musicians have followed in their footsteps with amazing results. Today, the Icelandic music experience has become one of the strongest elements of the image that Iceland and Icelanders enjoy abroad. The unusual interplay of pop and classical music can be a driving force in ongoing successes. The support of young musicians in their works, and in various forms of cooperation, creates a stronger foundation under this important growth area of Icelandic culture.”
New fund to strengthen young musicians, Kraumur Music Fund, receives a total of ISK 50 million to support young musicians in performing and presenting their works: ISK 20 million this year and a total of ISK 30 million in 2009 and 2010. The Kraumur Music Fund was established on the initiative of Aurora Charity Fund.
Mugison Gets ISK 4 Million from New Music Fund
Singer-songwriter Mugison was given the highest grant on Tuesday from recently-founded music fund Kraumur, ISK 4 million (USD 53,000, EUR 34,000) for overseas concerts and promotion. The purpose with the fund is to support the careers of Icelandic musicians.
The second-highest grant was given to pianist Víkingur Heidar Ólafsson, ISK 1.5 million (USD 20,000, EUR 13,000) and the third highest to female indie band Amiina, ISK 1.2 million (USD 16,000, EUR 10,000), DV reports.
Minister of Education, Science and Culture Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir presented the grants.
Other artists and bands who were rewarded on Tuesday were Celestine, Dikta, Elfa Rún Kristinsdóttir, FM Belfast, Skakkamanage and Ólöf Arnalds, who each received ISK 500,000 (USD 6,700, EUR 4,300).
At the ceremony, managing director of Kraumur Eldar Ástthórsson (best-known as manager of the Iceland Airwaves festival), introduced three projects the fund is working on: concerts in Iceland’s countryside, better access to recording studios and nominations for the album of the year.
Tuesday’s grants were only the first of many; within the next three years Kraumur will present musicians with a total fund of ISK 50 million (USD 666,000, EUR 427,000).
Source:
www.icelandreview.com
Me, myself & I on the 3rd row @ Apparat Organ Quartet performance @ Reykjavik Art Museum @ Iceland Airwaves
A photograph on the website of Aurora Fund @ www.aurorafund.is/en/news/nr/57