€1,939,700 of funding has been allocated to the 2025 Music Capital Scheme this year, nearly double of the fund made available to Irish artists to buy instruments compared to last year.
The news was announced today by Patrick O’Donovan T.D., Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport and welcomed by Music Network who administer the fund.
Music Capital Scheme 2025 opens with a big funding boost.
The details: Applications are now open for Awards 1, 2 & 3 of the 2025 Music Capital Scheme, with a total of €1,040,000 in funding available. The deadline is Thursday, November 27th at 2pm.
The Irish government’s instrument funding scheme has received a 78% increase in funding this year, making it one of the most significant pots of money available for musicians and groups in Ireland.
What’s the Scheme All About?
The Music Capital Scheme provides cash for the purchase of musical instruments and equipment. Managed by Music Network and funded by the Department of Culture, it’s been running since 2008 and has already provided 657 awards, giving over 59,000 people across the country access to instruments.
The Five Awards: What’s New & What’s Open Now
The scheme has been expanded for 2025 and now includes five distinct awards.
Open for applications NOW:
- Award 1: For non-professional performing groups (e.g., community bands, orchestras, trad groups).
- Award 2 & 3: For individual professional musicians (all individuals) and emerging professional musicians specifically.
Opening in the New Year:
- Award 4: Quality string instruments on loan for emerging classical players.
- Award 5: Grants for arts venues and music presenters to buy or refurbish concert-standard grand pianos.
Who Has Benefitted Before?
The scheme has a wide reach, from early-years players to mature musicians, including those with disabilities. Previous awardees give a sense of the diversity:
- Groups: Bluebell Community Development Project, Portlaoise Men’s Shed.
- Individuals: Greek bouzouki player Libby McCrohan, singer-songwriter Niall McCabe, cellist Yseult Cooper Stockdale, viola Ultan O’Brien.
- See last year’s awardees.
Free Supports for Applicants
A major focus this year is helping first-time and previously unsuccessful applicants. Music Network is providing a full suite of free supports:
- Online Information Sessions for Awards 1, 2 & 3.
- Online seminars and one-to-one consultations.
- In-person information sessions across the country.
All supports are free, and Music Network encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities.
How to Apply
Get all the guidelines and application forms for the open awards at the source: www.musicnetwork.ie
Application deadline: Thursday, November 27th, 2pm.
About Music Network
Music Network is Ireland’s national music touring and development organisation, founded by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon in 1986.
For almost 40 years we have been making high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland and helping musicians to develop fulfilling careers. Our vision is that of a culture which increasingly values live music in our everyday lives, embracing it as an essential part of a healthy, vibrant society.
We deliver a broad range of programmes including a National Touring Programme, musician residencies both here and abroad, learning and participation projects, the Music Capital Scheme, commissioning, training programmes and other professional development supports for musicians.
Find out more about Music Network here.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
