Music Network has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Music Capital Scheme, backed by a record €1.94 million in government funding.
Musicians and performing groups nationwide are invited to apply for Award Categories 1, 2 and 3 before the deadline of 2pm on Thursday, 27 November.
The funding, confirmed by Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan T.D., marks a 78% increase on previous years.
Since its launch in 2008, the scheme has become a cornerstone of Ireland’s music development, supporting the purchase of instruments and essential equipment.
Three of the scheme’s five award categories are now open. Award 1 is aimed at non-professional performing groups, while Awards 2 and 3 support individual professional musicians. Award 4, which provides quality string instruments on loan to emerging classical players, and Award 5, enabling arts venues to acquire or refurbish concert-standard grand pianos, will open early next year.
Minister O’Donovan welcomed the increased investment, saying: "The Scheme has benefitted thousands of people since its inception and this additional investment means that even more musicians, groups, and communities will now be able to access the instruments they need. With this year's extensive range of online and in person applicant supports, a particular focus will be given to assisting first time and previously unsuccessful applicants."
Since inception, the Music Capital Scheme has issued 657 awards, providing access to instruments for more than 59,000 people.
Beneficiaries include community organisations such as the Bluebell Community Development Project and professional artists like bouzouki player Libby McCrohan, singer-songwriter Niall McCabe and cellist Yseult Cooper Stockdale.
A total of €1.04 million is available through Awards 1–3.
Full guidelines and application forms are available via musicnetwork.ie, with enquiries directed to capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie.
