The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) welcomes today’s announcement by Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture, and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, of a new phase of the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme. This initiative will provide much-needed funding to grassroots music venues, reinforcing their vital role in nurturing emerging artists and sustaining Ireland’s vibrant music ecosystem.
A total fund of €500,000 has been allocated to the Grassroots Music Venue Support Scheme (GMVSS), which will offer grants of up to €15,000 to small, established venues known for live or electronic music performances. These grants will help support programming, artist and crew payments, production costs, PR, security, and other essential expenses. By ensuring that grassroots venues have the financial backing they need, this scheme will create new opportunities for Ireland’s up-and-coming musicians and DJs to showcase their talents and develop their careers.
IMRO CEO Victor Finn welcomed the initiative, stating:
“This scheme represents a significant investment in Ireland’s grassroots music venues, which play a crucial role in fostering new talent and sustaining the country’s musical heritage. Supporting these venues means supporting the next generation of Irish artists, providing them with essential performance opportunities and spaces to hone their craft”.
The announcement comes just a week after IMRO’s Live Venue of the Year Awards, where Ireland’s best live music spaces were celebrated for their contribution to the music industry. These awards highlight the essential role grassroots venues play in offering artists a stage to grow their audience and refine their performance skills. The GMVSS funding will further bolster these venues, ensuring they continue to thrive and support local talent.
IMRO encourages all eligible grassroots venues to apply for funding and take advantage of this valuable initiative. Applications for the scheme are now open and will be accepted until noon on May 15, 2025, or until funds are exhausted.
For further details on eligibility and application guidelines, please visit gov.ie – Minister Patrick O’Donovan announces a new Night-Time Economy Support Scheme for Grassroots Music Venues