www.musicnetwork.ie

Music Network is inviting applications for 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. It is designed to recommend formalised structures for ongoing support in this area beyond 2008.

There are three categories of support under the Music Capital Scheme aimed at highly skilled performing artists, non-professional performing groups/ensembles and those working in youth or community organisations supporting musical practice.

The Music Capital Scheme, designed and funded by The Arts Council and The IRMA Trust, and managed by Music Network, will focus exclusively on the area of music instrument purchase in 2008. 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 €350,000 in grant aid is available in 2008, of which up to €130,000 is specifically intended to support the purchase of rehearsal equipment and instruments for use by youth and community groups, via a once-off investment in the scheme funded by the IRMA Trust. The Research Project, managed by the Arts Council, will look beyond the scope of the new scheme at a broader range of related issues including the needs for equipment purchase; for the provision of rehearsal venues; and for the development of performing venues for artists, ensembles, venues and support organisations working in all areas of musical practice.
Closing date for applications is 5.30pm on 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