Leaders of the Reykjavík Arts Festival and Istanbul Fringe Festival
reflect on building platforms for artistic exchange, community and international collaboration
Reykjavík Arts Festival
Lára Sóley Jóhannsdóttir, Artistic Director,
Reykjavík Arts Festival
The Reykjavík Arts Festival has been a central part of Iceland’s cultural life since its inception in 1969 and is one of the Nordic region’s oldest and most respected arts festivals. Established by the Ministry of Culture, the City of Reykjavík and the Federation of Icelandic Artists, the festival takes place biennially. The 2026 edition (30 May to 14 June) will bring together around 1,300 artists, from Iceland and internationally, to perform and exhibit.
The festival places a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration within the Icelandic arts scene, presenting work from across the world while maintaining a close relationship with its audiences and enabling as many people as possible to experience the arts on their own terms. It celebrates diversity and prioritises accessibility and environmental responsibility in its programming and decision-making.
Composer, cellist and singer Hildur Guðnadóttir is this year’s Artist-in-Residence, with three concerts of her music forming part of the programme. Other highlights include Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, performed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, local choirs and soloists – marking its first performance in Iceland – alongside an exhibition by the Ukrainian art collective Open Group at the Living Art Museum.
Elsewhere, visitors can enjoy exhibitions by Björk Guðmundsdóttir and James Merry at the National Gallery of Iceland, Rót, a new puppet play for families by Handbendi Puppet Theatre at the National Theatre, and Fischersund’s signature scented concert, A Night of Scent & Music, featuring Jónsi, the lead singer of Sigur Rós. The festival also welcomes Rwanda’s first women’s drumming ensemble, Ingoma Nshya, alongside actor and activist Khalid Abdalla, who performs the solo work Nowhere. The Icelandic flute septet viibra also premieres Venutian Wetland by composer Bergrún Snæbjörnsdóttir, with choreography by Margrét Bjarnadóttir.
During the final weekend, John Grant performs with his band RAKEL, while soprano Angel Blue gives a recital with pianist Bryan Wagorn. The Festival Hub also hosts daily free events, including poetry evenings, dance events and artist talks.
Reykjavík Arts Festival (30 May – 14 June 2026)
Istanbul Fringe Festival
Zeynep Demir,
Co-Founder, Istanbul Fringe Festival
We created the Istanbul Fringe Festival out of a desire to contribute to the city’s cultural ecosystem, bringing a wide range of performing arts to audiences in Istanbul over the course of a week, alongside workshops, talks and social events. The first edition took place in 2019, with the aim of addressing the absence of an international, multi-genre festival in the city. Today, it remains the only festival in Istanbul presenting work from abroad alongside an extensive educational and public programme, taking place across multiple venues throughout the city.
Over time, we have built a loyal and predominantly young audience that consistently fills venues and actively engages with performances and workshops. We are also supported by a dedicated volunteer team, many of whom have been part of the festival for years. Together, this has created a strong sense of community around the festival. The programme remains open in scope, encompassing theatre and dance alongside comedy, queer and drag performance, live music and performative walking tours.
Over the past seven years, we have worked to expand our international reach through collaborations with initiatives such as EFFEA (the European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists), Aerowaves and Moving Balkans, creating new opportunities for artists and strengthening connections across the region.
Two years ago, in response to the need to strengthen regional partnerships and support contemporary dance in the Balkans, where the sector remains relatively fragile, I co-wrote the proposal for Moving Balkans: Contemporary Dance Platform of the Balkans. The project is now established, and we are preparing the second edition of the Moving Balkans Showcase, which brings together work from across the region and introduces it to international programmers. I am also part of the wider team that delivers educational activities for emerging dancers, choreographers and producers through a programme of annual workshops.
Both platforms have evolved significantly and, for me, share a common purpose: creating opportunities in a region where international collaboration remains limited. I take great pride in being part of both organisations and look forward to continuing this work.
Istanbul Fringe Festival (19–26 September 2026) fringeistanbul.com
The Moving Balkans Showcase (13–16 May 2026) movingbalkans.eu
Zeynep Demir is a 2026 ISPA Global Fellow.
Applications for the 2027 ISPA Global Fellowship will open on 29 April 2026.
Learn more at ispa.org
