"We feel very lucky to have availed of this scheme, it really is an excellent project. It has opened doors for so many youngsters who may never have gotten the chance to play the flute or fiddle otherwise. Some of the children are really beginning to master their instruments and it is so wonderful to have been able to help them on that journey." Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (Ballinamore Branch)
Music Capital Scheme
The Music Capital Scheme provides vital funding for musical instruments to both community music groups and individual musicians, an investment which continues to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music-making and live music performance throughout Ireland.
Established in 2008, the Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and managed by Music Network. Since it was established over €3,543,590 in funding has been awarded through 652 awards to individual musicians and organisations, providing access to instruments for over 59,000 people across the country.
Beneficiaries range from early years to mature players including musicians with physical and intellectual disabilities. 227 performing groups have been able to purchase instruments and expand their memberships, and 258 professional established and emerging musicians advanced their performance careers with new instruments enabled by the scheme.
The scheme is open to groups and musicians performing a wide range of musical styles and operates three different awards which provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to established and emerging individual professional performing musicians and non-professional performing groups.
For more information or questions about applying to the Music Capital Scheme please contact Sarah Cunningham at capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie or call +353 (0) 83 095 5956 (2 – 5.30pm excluding Wednesdays).
We are not currently accepting applications to the Music Capital Scheme awards 1, 2 and 3. Applications for the Music Network National Instrument Collection (Music Capital Scheme Award 4) is now accepting applications. Find out more about award 4 here.
Applicants to the latest round of funding for awards 1, 2 and 3 will be notified about their application at the end of September 2024.
