Kilkenny musicians to receive cash injection

Musicians from Kilkenny are invited to submit their applications for Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme.

Earlier this year Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin confirmed funding of €1,090,700 for the scheme which provides funding for musical instruments. Numerous groups and individuals from Kilkenny have received funding in the past including Castlecomer Community School (CCS) and Foróige Kilkenny. The closing date for applications for Award Categories 1, 2 and 3 is Tuesday, June 25 at 2pm.

Since it was established, the scheme has made 544 awards to individual musicians and organisations providing access to instruments for over 51,000 people across the country. Beneficiaries range from early years to mature players including musicians with physical and intellectual disabilities. 205 performing groups have been able to purchase instruments and expand their memberships, and 202 professional established and emerging musicians advanced their performance careers with new instruments enabled by the scheme. 

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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. The scheme comprises three different awards and provides funding for the purchase of musical instruments to individual professional musicians and to non-professional performing groups. It has expanded this year, with the addition of two new awards for the benefit of both musicians and arts venues.

"I am overjoyed that my Department is able to fund the Music Capital Scheme again this year and support its expansion with these new opportunities. The Scheme has benefited thousands of people since its inception and, with this year’s extensive range of applicant supports, a particular focus will be given to assisting first time and previously unsuccessful applicants," Minister Martin said.

"This funding allows so many deserving organisations and individuals to receive the crucial funds they need to purchase musical instruments and, as a former music teacher, that is such a wonderful thing to be a part of," she added.