Lyons announces £750k for musical instruments
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a funding boost of £750,000 for musical instruments.
The Musical Instruments Programme, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, has reopened for applications from bands, groups and individuals to enable them to purchase good quality instruments.
The Minister said: “I am pleased to announce this £750,000 investment in the Musical Instruments Programme.
“In 2025/26 more than £1.1million was awarded to 12 groups, 28 individual musicians and over 90 bands right across Northern Ireland through the programme.
“Music plays a powerful role in people’s lives here, promoting community cohesion, economic regeneration and social inclusion.
“Applications are open now and I encourage local bands, groups and musicians to visit the Arts Council website and access this support.”
The Musical Instruments Programme includes three strands:
- The Bands strand of the programme supports bands based in Northern Ireland, which are formally constituted, including accordion, brass, flute, pipe, wind and concert bands.
- The Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups category is open to choirs and orchestras, community music groups, musical societies, primary and post-primary schools and youth groups.
- The third strand is for individual professional musicians.
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “This valuable investment programme offers bands, musical groups, schools and professional musicians the opportunity to buy new instruments,.
“It helps them to increase skills for all players, from young musicians just starting out, right through to highly trained performers.
“I am delighted to say the Musical Instruments Programme scheme is now open online and we urge all interested to ensure your applications are with us before October 15.”
For more information on the Musical Instruments Programme and to make your applications, visit:
- Musical Instruments for Individuals – https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-individuals/musical-instruments-for-individuals
- Musical Instruments for Bands – https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/musical-instruments-for-bands
- Musical Instruments for Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups – https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/musical-instruments-for-professional-and-non-professional-performing-groups
Applications are open now and will close at 12noon on Thursday 15th October.
Funding decisions are anticipated by Monday 14th December.
