€300,000 funding available under Music Capital Scheme Piano Award

Up to €300,000 in funding is now available for arts venues and music presenters through the Music Capital Scheme Piano Award.

Applications opened this week for Award 5 of the Music Capital Scheme, administered by Music Network in partnership with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The scheme supports the purchase and refurbishment of concert-standard grand pianos for venues across Ireland.

The Piano Award forms part of the wider Music Capital Scheme, which received a total investment of €1,939,700 in 2025. Established in 2008, the scheme has supported musicians and performing groups for more than 17 years and was expanded in 2024 to include awards for emerging classical players and arts venues.

Award 5 is open to organisations that deliver year-round, high-quality music programmes, support professional musicians, and demonstrate strong community and audience engagement.

Funding of up to 75% of the purchase cost is available for new or second-hand concert grand pianos, with refurbishment costs also eligible. Applicants seeking refurbishment funding can apply for up to 70% of costs, or 50% for projects costing €15,000 or less.

The scheme welcomes applications relating to all high-quality piano brands, including Steinway, Yamaha and Kawai.

Recipients of the inaugural Piano Award in 2024 included Cork Opera House, the Irish Institute of Music and Song, Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, and the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire.

Welcoming the launch of the new funding round, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O'Donovan said the award would help ensure music venues are equipped with world-class instruments.

“The Piano Award represents a significant step forward in supporting high-quality live music performance nationwide, which will benefit both musicians and audiences alike,” he said.

Since its establishment, the Music Capital Scheme has made 657 awards nationwide, providing access to instruments for more than 59,000 people. The programme supports musicians of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Pat Moylan, Chair of Music Network, said the funding continues to have a “transformative effect” on Ireland’s musical landscape.

Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston highlighted the scheme’s environmental focus, noting that applicants are encouraged to consider refurbishment and high-quality second-hand instruments as sustainable options.

Applications for the latest round of the Piano Award close on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 2pm.

An online information session will take place on Tuesday, March 3, at 11am.

Applications and full details are available at www.musicnetwork.ie .

Enquiries can be directed to Sarah Ledwidge, Music Capital Scheme Manager, at capitalscheme@musicnetwork.ie or 083 016 2718.