The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin has announced an increase in the Music Industry Stimulus Package.

The amount of funding for 2020 for the package is being increased from €1 million to €1.7 million. This follows an exceptional number of applications for the music support grants.

“Given the exceptionally strong response to the Music Industry Stimulus Package with 1,795 applications received, I have decided to increase funding for the package to ensure musicians can continue to develop and share their work in the context of COVID restrictions," Minister Martin says.

The Minister’s announcement coincides with the issue of initial funding decisions, which will support 79 songwriting camps and 56 new album releases.

“These initial €725,000 funding awards support those working in the music industry including musicians, engineers, public relations, media, agents, labels and publishers as well as ensuring national and international listeners can still enjoy our great musicians work," Minister Martin added.

The Music Industry Support Package covers songwriting camps, recordings and album releases. It was introduced after the cessation of live performances due to Covid-19 restrictions, which reduced incomes for musicians.

The funding decisions being announced today relate to song writing and releases. Given the high volume of applications for recording support, decisions for this scheme, with funding of close to €1 million, will now be announced in mid-November.

This Music Industry Stimulus Package is being managed on behalf of the Department by First Music Contact (FMC).

“I hope this extra spending for musicians and artists to continue creating this year – which is before more measures are rolled out in 2021 – will help meet the significant demand for help received by my Department," Minister Martin commented.