Arts Council opens musical instrument funding programme for artists
21st August, 2023
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened applications to its Musical Instruments scheme for individual professional artists.
The awards are one strand of the Arts Council’s Musical Instruments Programme, an initiative developed to increase the quality of music making in Northern Ireland and made possible thanks to capital investment from the Department of Communities.
The programme is designed to provide funding for highly-skilled, exceptional, high-profile professional musicians, to purchase quality instruments that are central to their performing career. Grants from £500 up to a maximum of £10,000 are available and up to 100% of costs will be covered, with no partnership funding required.
The scheme is open to professional musicians working in a solo capacity or as part of a small group/ chamber ensemble in any musical genre. In order to be eligible, you must be from or currently reside in Northern Ireland. You also must have made a contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of one year within the last five years and be at least 18yrs old and not in secondary education.
Noirin McKinney, joint Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:
“With much appreciated capital investment from the Department of Communities, the Arts Council is delighted to reopen the Musical Instruments Programme. This particular strand of the scheme has been developed to support professional musicians, helping them to buy or replace the instruments they need to fulfil their performance potential.
“Northern Ireland has a fine history of musicianship, one which is celebrated all over the world. Today’s funding announcement will go a long way in supporting that legacy, benefitting many performers across a broad range of genres including classical, jazz, traditional, contemporary and electronic music.”
Applications are now open on the Arts Council website and will close at 12noon on 11th September 2023. Full guidance notes, including details of eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found at artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-individuals/musical-instruments-for-individuals
For further funding updates and information on opening and closing dates for the Arts Council’s Musical Instruments Programme for Bands and Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups, follow the Arts Council online @ArtsCouncilNI or sign up to the fortnightly newsletter https://artscouncil-ni.org/about-us/sign-up