Call for Applications: Musical Instruments for Individuals – 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

• Please keep in mind that the amount of money available is limited and demand for funds is likely to be extremely high. It is not usually possible to fund all applications which simply meet the criteria.
• They will aim to distribute the funds as widely as possible and may take account in the assessment of your application the level of support you have previously received or are currently receiving, as well as your management of any previous grants.
• Please note:
  • You may apply for one instrument only.
  • The minimum award will be £500; the maximum, £10,000. Your request must be within this range.
  • Up to 100% of the total cost of the instrument will be awarded.
  • You will need to provide at least 2 quotes for the requested instrument; more if the value of the item is above £5,000.
  • Remember that the grant will be paid in 2 stages.
  • You should be realistic in your expectations and bear in mind the limited nature of the funds available.
  • Once awarded, grants cannot be increased.
  • Support provided by this award will be made available through a grant payment to the individual musician.

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.
  • who is from or currently resides in Northern Ireland – please note that you must be based in Northern Ireland and make regular use of the instrument in Northern Ireland.
  • who is 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 be:
  • Living in Northern Ireland
  • Have made a contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of 1 year within the last 5 years.
  • At least 18yrs old and not in secondary education.

Who cannot apply?

• Non-professional musicians
• Individuals under the age of 18 or still in secondary education
• Applicants who received an award from the Musical Instruments for Individuals
• Programme in the previous five years
• Applicants who have broken the conditions of any previous ACNI award.

For more information, visit Arts Council.