Arts Council of Northern Ireland Musical Instruments for Individuals Programme (UK)

This award is open to musicians working as a high-level performer in a solo capacity or as part of a small group / chamber ensemble in any musical genre. This scheme is aimed at providing instruments for rehearsal and performance. Applicants must evidence:

• That they are clearly a high quality, high impact artist
• That they have the respect of their peers and are acknowledged by senior artists or practitioners in their field with a public profile
• That they have received international or national awards, prizes and performances
• A strong record of significant work of outstanding potential;
• Originality, challenge and/or artistic innovation or innovation in practice;
• A clear, realistic view of the potential development of their career over years;
• A coherent, targeted, scheduled plan for artistic growth which clearly articulates their capacity to exploit the opportunity and how they will do it.

Funding Information 

• The minimum award will be £500; the maximum, £10,000. Your request must be within this range.

What can you apply for?

• Instruments for rehearsal and performance
• The instrument applied for must be the primary instrument of the applicant or one in which the applicant can demonstrate a track record of performance.
• In addition to musical instruments, the following items are eligible:
  • Bows
  • Drum heads
  • Drum sticks / brushes
  • Effects pedals
  • Electro-acoustic equipment
  • Instrument cases
  • Reeds
  • Shoulder rests
  • Mutes

Who can apply?

• The Arts Council welcomes applications from the widest possible range of individuals and in particular from applicants categorised under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
• In addition, in order to be eligible to apply to this programme you must be a professional musician, and must be
  • living in Northern Ireland, who will make regular use of the instrument in Northern
  • Ireland;
  • (ACNI’s budgets are limited and subject to extremely high demand. Their priority must be for artists living and regularly contributing to the arts within Northern Ireland. If you are primarily living in another region of the UK, Republic of Ireland or elsewhere (i.e. you live in that region for the majority of the year), you should apply to the Arts Councils in the relevant jurisdiction. Where the Arts Council has concerns regarding this matter, they may seek further clarification from you with regard to this.)
  • working as a high-level performer in a solo capacity or as part of a small group/chamber ensemble in any musical genre.
• Eligible applicants must also
  • Have made a contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of 1 year within the last 5 years.
  • Be at least 18yrs old and not in secondary education.

For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.