Central 

The Ministry of Education, Science and Culture
is responsible for:

• Implementing legislation relating to cultural affairs, libraries and heritage.
• Policy formulation in cultural affairs;
• Supervising the implementation of the cultural policy;
• The general administration of cultural issues, such as issues with regard to the arts and cultural heritage, the Icelandic language, the mass media, and sports and youth affairs;
• The operation of public cultural institutions, libraries and museums,
• Relations with community cultural organisations and other NGOs, enterprises and individuals;
• Ensuring a positive working environment for professional artists.
• Supervising public support for arts and culture;
• Providing support for theatres and concerts, festivals;
• (National) Parks and open spaces; and
• Providing support to religious facilities.

Responsible ministries/bodies

Ministry of Education, Science and Culture 
 
Local

Municipal authorities are responsible for:

• Museums and libraries (operation); and
• Parks and open spaces. 
  

Sources:

Local governments in Iceland booklet

Ministry of Education, Science and Culture

Public Libraries Act no 36/1997 of 16 May 1997

Act respecting the status of the Icelandic language and Icelandic sign language No 61/2011

Act on the Icelandic Museum of Natural History No 35/2007

Act on the National and University Library of Iceland No 142/2011

Act on Visual Arts No 64/2012

Culture - The Arts, The National Cultural Heritage, Broadcasting, Language Policy, Sports and Youth Activities (2009)