Communities Minister has confirmed funding for a
new programme which will support bands to play at showcase
opportunities outside Northern Ireland.
The Travel Awards for Bands Programme will be delivered by the
Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and is open to established
bands, including accordion, brass, concert, flute, pipe and wind
bands.
Minister Lyons said: “The arts is a
very important part of our culture and it is vital that no
barriers are put in the way of their music being promoted further
than Northern Ireland.
“The new Travel Awards for Bands Programme has been
designed to help bands with travel costs, and
promote music making and player development. Bands can apply for
grants of between £500 and £5,000 towards their travel
costs.
“I have allocated a total budget of £100,000 to the
programme.”
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of
Northern Ireland, said: “With much appreciated investment
from the Department for Communities, the Arts Council has opened
this new funding stream for bands, which will allow them to
perform alongside their contemporaries at events outside Northern
Ireland.
“We know that this programme will come as welcome news to the
bands community, who have told us that while they are often
invited to perform in other locations, the cost of travel can be
prohibitive. These travel grants will help bands to reach
new audiences, develop their performance skills and create new
networks.”
The Travel Awards for Bands Programme will complement the
existing Musical Instruments Programme, which provides funding to
help bands, groups and individual musicians purchase new or
replace worn-out instruments.
Applications are now open and will close at 12 noon on Monday
22nd September. For more information on Arts Council funding
programmes and how to apply go to https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/travel-awards-for-bands.
Notes to editors:
- This is a new funding opportunity for bands and demand is
expected to be high. Priority will be given to applications which
can demonstrate high quality musicianship, a commitment to
training and musical education, particularly of young people, and
a commitment to repertoire and technique development.
