Musicians from Mayo urged to apply for Music Capital Scheme
Helping to announce a record fund for Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme is Sharon Rollston, chief executive of Music Network, with members of Clondalkin Youth Band. Photo: Mark Stedman
Music Network is calling on all musicians and performing groups in Mayo and across Ireland who wish to apply for the Music Capital Scheme to make that application now.
The closing date for applications for award categories 1, 2 and 3 close on Thursday, November 27, at 2 p.m.
This year a record €1,939,700 in funding is available for the scheme, which is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport. That represents a substantial 78% increase on the 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.
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 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 27, we encourage anyone interested in applying to start their applications now to avoid missing out on this valuable opportunity.”
The three open awards are for 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.
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 is committed to equity and inclusion, and encourages people from all backgrounds and communities to apply. More information about the awards, guidelines and application forms are available at www.musicnetwork.ie.
