Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin has today announced funding of €394,500 for Music Network towards the Music Capital Scheme.
Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the Music Capital Scheme assists with the purchase of musical instruments and is designed to respond to a broad range of capital needs within the music sector in Ireland. Since its launch in 2008, more than €2 million has been awarded to organisations and individual musicians across the country, performing in genres including traditional Irish, classical, folk, jazz, electro-acoustic, early/baroque and rock/pop. Previous awardees include Portlaoise Men’s Shed who received funding for ukuleles, award winning singer-songwriter Luan Parle and critically acclaimed newcomer Niamh Regan.
This year, an extensive range of applicant supports will be available during January and February 2023. These will be available to both organisations and individuals with a particular focus on supporting first time and previously unsuccessful applicants. Music Network is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from individuals within culturally diverse communities and people with disabilities. All supports are provided free of charge. More details on these supports can be found on www.musicnetwork.ie
Since 2008, the Music Capital Scheme has been responsible for:
- 192 performing groups being able to purchase instruments and expand their memberships
- €2,660,991 in award funding which has benefitted musicians and performing groups
- 159 professional musicians advancing their performance careers with new instruments enabled by the Scheme
- 46,000+ beneficiaries from early-years to mature players, including musicians with physical and intellectual disabilities, receiving vital support through the Scheme
Announcing the funding, Minister Martin commented:
“Since its launch in 2008, the Music Capital Scheme has benefitted many deserving organisations and individuals and I am so pleased that my Department has been able to continue supporting the scheme, and indeed increase funding this year.
I would like to thank Music Network for managing the Music Capital Scheme so efficiently and for making this year’s focus on supporting first time and previously unsuccessful applicants.”
The scheme is operated on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media by Music Network, which is Ireland’s national music touring and development agency.
The Scheme is open for applications from Thursday 15th December 2022 to Tuesday 28th February 2023 at 2 pm. The guidelines documents and application forms are available on https://www.musicnetwork.ie/
ENDS