www.musicnetwork.ie
The Arts Council, The IRMA Trust and Music Network have announced details of the Music Capital Scheme and Research Project, an action-research initiative designed to provide support for the purchase of musical instruments in 2008. The scheme and research project will be operated on a pilot basis in 2008 and will be designed to recommend formalised structures for ongoing support in this area beyond 2008. Closing date for applications 5:30pm Monday 29th September.

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Cloake, Director of The Arts Council said, “The Arts Council is aware of a range of needs for capital investment in music throughout Ireland. One of the principal areas of difficulty for musicians and for ensembles can be the purchasing of instruments. The costs of instrument purchase, maintenance and repair can be significant barriers to the development of many organisations and this scheme aims to address this.”
This scheme marks a new departure for The Arts Council as for the first time non-professional music groups can apply for funding under one strand of the scheme.
The Music Capital Scheme, managed by Music Network, will focus exclusively on the area of music instrument purchase in 2008. Dick Doyle, IRMA Trust Director & CEO of IRMA & PPI, stated, ” the IRMA Trust is pleased to partner with The Arts Council on a national scheme of this nature. The Trust has invested over €1.5 million to date in helping young people gain access to music. What this scheme is all about is bringing rehearsal facilities locally to young bands.”
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5:30 p.m. Monday 29th September 2008. For further information visit www.musicnetwork.ie or contact The Music Capital Scheme Manager, Music Network,
Tel. 01 6719429 or email: capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie.