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Music Capital Scheme Piano Award

Music Capital Scheme Piano Award

Sultan Stevenson Trio Special Guest Denys Baptiste performing at the Sugar Club 24 Oct 2023
Applications are now open for the Music Capital Scheme 2024 Piano Award to support the purchase/refurbishment of concert standard grand pianos by arts venues and music presenters.

The Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and provides funding for musical instruments.

We are seeking applications from organisations that provide a year-round high quality music programme, support the work of professional musicians (e.g. professional development opportunities such as artist residencies, masterclasses etc.), and have a strong track record in audience and community engagement.


Deadline for applications: 2pm, Wednesday 19 February 2025.

Award details:

The total funding available for The Music Capital Scheme 2024 Piano Award is €180,000.

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. (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%).
      Who can apply:
      • 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

            How to apply

            Apply online before 2pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. 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 March 2025. 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

                Further enquiries:

                Any questions regarding the Music Capital Scheme Award 5 can be sent to operations@musicnetwork.ie or call +353 1 475 0224.

                Deadline for applications: 2pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025

                    This project is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media