Opportunity
Music Network today welcomed the announcement by Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, confirming capital funds of €210,000 for the Music Capital Scheme 2015. The Music Capital Scheme, supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and managed by Music Network, provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD said:
“In Ireland, we are lucky to possess a wealth of musical talent. For this talent to continue to progress and flourish it is vital that our musicians are supported and provided with the opportunities to improve their performing ability. Over the past five years, the funding provided by my Department for the Music Capital Scheme has enabled Music Network to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments to a wide range of talented individuals and groups, including choirs, orchestras, youth bands and traditional music groups. I am delighted therefore to announce capital funding of €210,000 for the Music Capital Scheme in 2015.”
Commenting on the announcement, Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said:
“Music Network’s mission to make live music happen in Ireland is reinforced by the Music Capital Scheme, which has funded 195 musicians, groups and organisations, benefitting up to 28,800 people throughout Ireland since its inception in 2008. We are delighted to once again be offering the scheme in 2015 and are very grateful to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for its continued support.”
The Music Capital Scheme was established by The Arts Council, The IRMA Trust and Music Network in 2008 as an action-research initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments. In response to the success of the initial pilot scheme, funding has been made available since 2011 by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
The Music Capital Scheme will open for applications on Monday 14 September 2015, with a deadline of Thursday 15 October 2015. Further information is available at www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/funding/
Music Capital Scheme Advice Clinics will be held in Limerick (Culture House), Dublin (National Concert Hall), Cork (CIT Cork School of Music), Galway (An Taibhdhearc) and Kilkenny (Kilkenny Castle) between 22 and 30 September. For further details, please contact Music Network’s Programmes Administrator Sarah Cunningham at 01 475 0224.
