Groups and music performers in Laois receive over €14,000 to purchase new instruments
Musician Dale McKay is among those to receive funding
LAOIS musicians and groups shared funding totalling €14,611 from the latest round of the Music Capital Scheme.
The Portarlington branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann received the highest amount of €6,750 for the purchase of new musical instruments.
Emerging artist Camross born traditional Irish and contemporary singer and film producer Molly Donnery received €4,353 for a Lever harp, pickup, preamp and case.
Dale McKay from the Laois trad group Buíoch was the recipient of €1,923 to purchase a handpan drum, while classical pianist David Vesey was awarded €899 for to purchase a digital piano.
While Portlaoise Men's Shed obtained €686 to also purchase new musical instruments.
Since it was established 16 years ago, the Music Capital Scheme has made 652 awards to individual musicians and organisations and provided access to musical instruments for over 59,000 people.
The scheme is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and managed by Music Network. It has enabled many thousands of musicians across Ireland to develop their musical potential and participate in the performance of live music, performing in genres including traditional Irish, classical, folk, jazz, electro-acoustic, rock and pop.
Minister Catherine Martin said: “I would like to sincerely thank Music Network for managing the Music Capital Scheme once again. This funding allows so many deserving organisations and individuals to receive the support they need to purchase musical instruments and, as a former music teacher, that is such a wonderful thing to be a part of."
Music Network’s CEO Sharon Rollston said: “Our mission is to make high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland, and to support professional musicians to excel in the performance and creation of music. The number and range of instruments provided through the Music Capital Scheme year-on-year continue to make a significant impact on the quality of, and access to, music making and live music performance across Ireland.”
