Funding scheme for musicians announced

MAKE A PERFECT PITCH FOR FUNDING!
There is some good news on the horizon for Corca Dhuibhne's aspiring musicians and groups as Music Network today (16th June 2009) announced details of the second round of the Music Capital Scheme, an initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments funded by the Arts Council. The scheme and research project was operated on a pilot basis in 2008 with a view to recommending formalised structures for ongoing support in this area. Closing date for applications 5:30pm Monday 2nd November 2009. Awards in this scheme will be made to individual artists, to ensembles and to organisations supporting musical practice in other ways. A total fund of up to €113,000 in grant aid is available in 2009. This year, there are two categories of support under the Music Capital Scheme aimed at highly skilled performing artists and non-professional performing groups/ensembles. Stream 1: Instrument banks Total available funding in 2009: €75,000. This fund aims to develop instrument banks for non-professional ensembles such as: brass and silver bands, concert bands, symphonic wind ensembles, pipe bands, céilí bands, youth and amateur orchestras and ensembles fife and drum (and other marching) bands, big bands, community music groups (including percussion and samba ensembles) pop/rock music collectives, traditional music groups/organisations, choirs. Available to non-professional organisations only. Stream 2: Individual Instruments. Total available funding in 2009: €37,900. This fund aims supports the purchase of high value musical instruments. One or more awards may be made to support up to 50% of the value of the instrument. Available to highly skilled individual performing artists only. A total of €347,000 was awarded to 41 individuals and organisations through the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project in 2008 including; professional musicians, non-professional performing groups and community-based organisations involved in supporting music practice in their area for the purchase of musical instruments and rehearsal equipment. The scheme elicited 298 applications across three funding streams with the value of funding requests totalling in excess of €2,200,000.Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30 p.m. Monday 2nd November 2009. For further information visit http://www.musicnetwork.ie/. You many also contact the Music Capital Scheme Manager at 01-6719429 or e-mail capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie.