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Funding for Musical Instruments Announced as Music Capital Scheme to Receive €210,000 Investment

September 3, 2015

 

Music Network is to receive an investment of €210,000 by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for its Music Capital Scheme 2015. The announcement was made by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys TD who highlighted the opportunities the scheme has provided for musicians in recent years. The Music Capital Scheme, established in 2008, provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to both non-professional performing groups/ensembles and professional musicians.

What started out as a pilot scheme research initiative established by The Arts Council, The IRMA Trust and Music Network designed to provide for the purchase of musical instruments, became recognised as a valuable contribution to musical development by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht which has funded the scheme since 2011.

Speaking at the launch, 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.”

Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston outlined just how much of an impact the scheme has had for musicians and music groups:

“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, benefiting 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 will open for applications on Monday 14th September 2015, with a deadline of Thursday 15th October 2015. Further information, application forms and guidelines are available at www.musicnetwork.ie/musicians/funding/

For musicians seeking assistance with applications, Music Network will be holding Music Capital Scheme Advice Clinics in Limerick (Culture House), Dublin (National Concert Hall), Cork (CIT Cork School of Music), Galway (An Taibhdhearc) and Kilkenny (Kilkenny Castle) between 22nd and 30th September. For further details, please contact Music Network’s Programmes Administrator Sarah Cunningham at 01 475 0224.

 

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