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This scheme will open for applications at noon on 6th March and will remain open until noon on 30th March. Applications after this time will not be accepted. The application form is available here.

Applications are being invited under two separate Streams:

Stream A – Grassroots venues who can demonstrate a track record of two years programming ticketed events featuring early career or emerging Irish or Irish-based acts or artists performing original material they have written or created themselves.

Stream B – Venues who can demonstrate that they have in the past 12 months programmed events (ticketed or with a cover charge) showcasing Irish or Irish-based acts or artists, and who confirm their willingness to use funding under this scheme to programme emerging Irish acts or artists.

Please Note: Venues can only apply for funding under one stream.

• Support small/medium live performance venues and acknowledge the risk they take in programming and nurturing emerging original artists.
• Encourage and enable live venues to include emerging artists in their programming, thereby increasing the performance opportunities available to early career artists.
• Invigorate the Night-Time Economy nationwide by providing a diverse cultural offering, supporting new talent and increasing footfall to awarded venues to help sustain this sector.
• Showcase the talent of Irish acts and artists who perform material they have written/created themselves and provide them with opportunities to build connections in the industry and gain performing experience.
• Provide employment opportunities for professionals including production staff and crew who are dependent on live performances.

This scheme will operate with a total fund of €1 million and will operate in two separate funding Streams. Stream A will operate with a total fund of €800,000 and Stream B will operate with a total fund of €200,000.

Stream A – Established Grassroots Venues with a proven track record of at least two years in programming emerging Irish acts or artists and who meet the eligibility criteria may apply for a maximum grant amount allowable of up to €20,000 per successful venue. Grantees may draw down funding for 90% of eligible costs up to a maximum of the allocated figure. The grantee will be required to self-fund the remaining 10% of eligible costs and all costs not eligible for funding. The minimum grant that can be applied for is €7,000 under Stream A.

Stream B – Venues who can demonstrate that they have in the past 12 months programmed events (ticketed or with a cover charge) showcasing Irish or Irish-based artists or acts, and who confirm a willingness to use funding under this scheme to programme ticketed events which include emerging acts and artists. Applicants may apply for a maximum grant amount allowable of up to €8,000 per successful venue. Grantees may draw down funding for 90% of eligible costs up to a maximum of the allocated figure. The grantee will be required to self-fund the remaining 10% of eligible costs and all costs not eligible for funding. The minimum grant that can be applied for is €3,000 under Stream B.

Who is eligible?

All Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Registered business with its venue located in the State.
• The venue must operate with a capacity of 500 or less.
• Venues must have an existing stage or designated stage area where performances have taken place.
• Venues must have at least one of the following (photographic evidence must be submitted with the application)
  • defined audience space
  • dance floor
  • sound booth
  • ticket hatch
  • stage-facing or elevated seating
• Venues must have at least one of the following pieces of equipment to facilitate live performed music (photographic evidence must be submitted with the application)
  • mixing desk
  • PA system
  • stage monitors
  • lighting rig
  • back line
  • stage microphones
  • spare instruments
  • instrument consumables
• Venues must employ or otherwise utilise at least two of the following (they may be the same person)
  • Sound engineer
  • Booker
  • Promoter
  • Cashier
  • Stage manager
  • Security personnel
• Businesses must be tax compliant.
• Venues must be liable for rates as set out in the Valuation Act 2001, as amended.