Communities Minister has announced a funding boost
for 119 individuals, bands and groups across Northern Ireland as
part of the Musical Instruments Scheme.
Distributed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the
programme is awarding 119 successful individuals, bands and
professional and non-professional performing groups a share of
£823,000, enabling the purchase of new and replacement musical
instruments
Minister Lyons said: “Funding is a challenge for
many individuals, bands, groups and organisations across the
entire music and arts sector. I am always amazed by the musical
talent we have right across Northern Ireland and it is fantastic
to hear what the funding means to this diverse range of
individuals and bands.
“I have pledged to help the Arts Sector in Northern
Ireland and this announcement demonstrates my commitment to this
sector, and music in particular. This new funding will
benefit thousands of people and ensure more people can get
involved in and enjoy the arts.
“There is a superb range of recipients this year, from
marching bands and school groups to traditional musicians and
musical societies and I hope this grant will support and inspire
the next generation of musical talent across the genres. I
also recognise the social contribution of these musicians,
providing young people with new skills, a sense of wellbeing and
a support system, especially in rural areas.
“Finally, I wish to pay tribute to the vast number of
marching bands who applied for this grant. I am pleased to say
that every single applicant which met the criteria has been
funded and I know this financial boost will help sustain these
individuals, bands and groups for many years to
come.
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern
Ireland, commented: “With much appreciated capital
investment from the Department of Communities, the Arts Council
is pleased to distribute this funding through the Musical
Instruments Programme. This important scheme will help support
119 recipients 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. We are
delighted that the Minister has been able to visit some of the
bands benefitting from this funding and hear how much it means to
them.”
In total, 75 bands, 13 groups and 31 individuals from across
Northern Ireland have been awarded under the Musical Instruments
Scheme.
