All musicians and performing groups across Ireland who wish to apply for the Music Capital Scheme are being urged to apply now. Applications for Award Categories 1, 2 and 3 close on Thursday, 27th November at 2pm.
This year a record €1,939,700 funding is available for the scheme which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport – a substantial 78% increase on previous year. A total of €1,040,000 is available through Awards 1, 2 and 3, which support non-professional performing groups and individual professional musicians in purchasing instruments and essential equipment.
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.
Encouraging applications, Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston commented: “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 2pm on Thursday 27th November, we encourage anyone interested in applying to start their applications now to avoid missing out on this valuable opportunity.”
Since 2008, the scheme has made 657 awards, providing access to instruments for over 59,000 people across Ireland.
More information about the awards, guidelines and application forms are available at www.musicnetwork.ie
