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Minister Martin opens new funding scheme and adjusts existing supports as part of the €50m Live Performance Funding Package

  • €20m Live Performance Support Scheme 3 to support events planned for December and January, will open for applications today;
  • €5m seasonal musical theatre and pantomime scheme - applicants can now apply for larger grants.

 

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has today (20 December) launched the Live Performance Support Scheme 3 (LPSS3) to support events planned for December and January.  The supports are in response to the introduction of new restrictions on live performance capacities, including the new closing time of 8pm in effect from today.  The Minister today met with stakeholders from across the Live Performance sector, along with the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan, to discuss the impact of these new restrictions.

 

The schemes now open for applications include:

  • €20m for the Live Performance Support Scheme 3 (LPSS3), specifically to support live performances planned for December and January which may need to be cancelled, curtailed or rescheduled due to the new restrictions. Up to 100% of eligible production costs will be funded.
  • €5m for the seasonal musical theatre and pantomime scheme (LPSS2), up to 100% of eligible production costs will now be funded;

The Minister said:

“I know that the introduction of a closing time of 8pm is another devastating blow to the entire live entertainment sector. I am committed to ensuring the necessary supports are in place to support the sector and those who work in it.  As a result I am announcing that the LPSS2 and LPSS3 schemes will provide up to 100% of costs incurred for events planned for December and January”. 

These schemes form part of the €50m support package for the Live Performance sector announced by the Minister on December 8th.  That package of supports includes:

  • €5m for seasonal musical theatre and pantomime scheme (LPSS2);
  • €20m for Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS3);
  • €5m for Local Authorities artists and peformance supports, including support for voluntary and community pantomime;
  • €5m adaptation grants for venues, which will open in January for applications;
  • €4m MEBAS (Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme), which will open in January for applications;
  • A minimum of €10m for a further round of LPSS in 2022;
  • €1m for the Saint Patricks Festival 2022

 

The Minister also announced that another round of the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) will open for applications in January.  This scheme has already provided grant support to businesses to cover costs up to the end of December.

 

The Minister added:

“As I have said before, I fully appreciate the extreme difficulties being faced by the live performance sector.  The Government won’t be found wanting, a Covid contingency fund of €4bn has been created.  If further funding for live entertainment is required then I will seek additional support from the Covid contingency fund.  I am committed to supporting all those working in the live performance and nightclub sector through this difficult phase of the pandemic”. 

 

 

ENDS