The total funding available for the current round of The Music Capital Scheme Piano Award is €300,000.

Pianos may be new or second-hand, and applicants may apply for:

• up to 75% of the cost of purchasing a concert standard grand piano. The scheme welcomes applications relating to all high-quality brands (for example Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai and similar), both new and second-hand. Any refurbishment costs required to bring a second-hand instrument up to concert standard can be included in addition to the instrument purchase price.

Or

• up to 70% of the cost of refurbishing a grand piano to bring it up to concert standard, unless the refurbishment cost is €15, 000 or less, in which case the percentage will reduce to 50%.

• Arts venues
• Music presenters programming in a dedicated performance space.

Note: Applications may be submitted in partnership with a Local Authority where the venue or presenter is the lead partner. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this award.

Applicants must:

• be based in the Republic of Ireland
• not currently have a concert standard grand piano in performance condition in situ
• be managed at a professional level and uphold best practice in relation to their governance and operations
• be able to demonstrate that they provide all of the following:
  • concert programming of the highest professional standard
  • a year round music programme for audiences
  • support for professional musicians in their work e.g. professional development opportunities such as artist residencies, masterclasses etc. (current and future plans will be taken into consideration
• have a strong track record of engagement with their local community.

Music Network is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes applications from arts venues and music presenters within culturally diverse communities. Music Network encourages prospective applicants with disabilities or access requirements who wish to submit an application on behalf of their venue or organisation to make contact with us as early as possible so that every effort to provide reasonable accommodation can be made

Apply online before 2pm on Thursday 2 April 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.

Along with your online application form you will also be required to submit:

• Details of the applicant’s music programme for the past 2 years (to include concert performances and any additional musical activities)
• Details of current audience engagement levels across the musical genres programmed and any different types of music events
• Details of future programming plans, showing how having a concert standard grand piano in situ would impact on these, and on audience and community engagement levels
• Details of where a piano would be housed, and plans for regular maintenance and tuning
• Confirmation that the arts venue/presenter organisation upholds best practice in relation to its governance and operations.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an online interview in April/May 2026. Second interviews may also be held if required.

More information on the application process and how to apply can be found in our application guidelines below

There will be an online information session for applicants on Tuesday 3 March at 11am.

Any questions regarding the Music Capital Scheme Piano Award can be sent to Sarah Ledwidge, Music Capital Scheme Manager at capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie or call 083 016 2718.

Deadline for applications: 2pm on Thursday 2 April 2026