This year’s Music Capital Scheme, which funds the purchase of musical instruments by both non-professional groups and professional musicians, will open for applications on 30 November. The Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has again made €210,000 available to for the scheme, which is administered by Music Network.

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys TD commented:

We know that encouraging participation in the arts, such as learning to play a musical instrument, is very beneficial for our young people, and the Music Capital Scheme is one of the ways in which my Department aims to make that easier.  

The Music Capital Scheme has so far funded 227 musicians, groups and organisations since 2008. Last year’s recipients included Phoebe White, who received €19,000 to purchase a violin; Mairéad Hickey, who received €9348.54 to purchase a violin also; Castletown Accordion Orchestra, which received €19,671; and Patrick’s Youth Pipe Band, which received €15,680.27. The full list of last year’s recipients is available here.

The deadline for applications for this year’s scheme is 12pm on Thursday 26 January. 

Music Capital Scheme Advice Clinics will be held in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick & Sligo during the week of 9 January 2017. 

For full details, visit https://goo.gl/LgpFe7