Music Network is calling on all musicians and performing groups across Ireland to apply for their Music Capital Scheme.
This year, a record €1,939,700 funding is available for the scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport–a 78% increase on last year.
A total of €1,040,000 is available through Awards 1, 2 and 4, which support non-professional performing groups and individual professional musicians in purchasing instruments and essential equipment.
Since 2008, the scheme has made 657 awards, providing access to instruments for over 59,000 people across Ireland. Previous awardees include Bluebell Community Development Project, Taisce an Oileáin (Arranmore Island), Portlaoise Men's Shed, and musicians Libby McCrohan, Niall McCabe and Yseult Cooper Stockdale.
Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said, “we’re very grateful to the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport for their ongoing support of the Music Capital Scheme, which provides vital funds for musicians and performing groups to access the instruments they need.
“With applications closing at 2 pm on Thursday 27th November, we encourage anyone interested in applying to start their applications now to avoid missing out on this valuable opportunity.”
The three open awards are open to non-professional performing groups (Award 1), established professional musicians (Award 2), and emerging professional musicians (Award 3).
Two additional awards introduced in 2024 – providing string instruments on loan and supporting venues to acquire or refurbish concert-standard grand pianos – will open in the new year.
Applications for Award Categories 1, 2 and 3 closes on Thursday 27 November at 2pm.
