Music Capital Scheme Piano Award 2026: Music Network
Applications are now open for the Music Capital Scheme Piano Award to support the purchase/refurbishment of concert standard grand pianos by arts venues and music presenters.
The Music Capital Scheme is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and provides funding for musical instruments.
We are seeking applications from organisations that provide a year-round high quality music programme, support the work of professional musicians (e.g. professional development opportunities such as artist residencies, masterclasses etc.), and have a strong track record in audience and community engagement.
Deadline for applications: 2pm, Thursday 2 April 2026.
Full details here: https://www.musicnetwork.ie/whats-on/the-music-network-piano-award
Award details:
The total funding available for the current round of The Music Capital Scheme Piano Award is €300,000.
Pianos may be new or second-hand, and applicants may apply for:
1) up to 75% of the cost of purchasing a concert standard grand piano. The scheme welcomes applications relating to all high-quality brands (for example Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai and similar), both new and second-hand. Any refurbishment costs required to bring a second-hand instrument up to concert standard can be included in addition to the instrument purchase price.
Or
2) up to 70% of the cost of refurbishing a grand piano to bring it up to concert standard, unless the refurbishment cost is €15, 000 or less, in which case the percentage will reduce to 50%.
Who can apply:
- Arts venues
- Music presenters programming in a dedicated performance space.
Note: Applications may be submitted in partnership with a Local Authority where the venue or presenter is the lead partner. Individuals are not eligible to apply for this award.
Please application form link below:
Online Information Session for applicants
There will be an online information session for applicants on Tuesday 3 March at 11am.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yqBm5BgpSvq5JBwe2e7rrQ
