£750,000 funding boost for musicians as Minister Lyons launches Musical Instruments Programme

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with musicians, band members and schoolchildren who have benefitted from the Musical Instruments Programme

A significant funding opportunity has been announced for musicians and groups across Northern Ireland, as Communities Minister Gordon Lyons launches the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s 2025/26 Musical Instruments Programme.

The initiative, backed by a £750,000 investment from the Department for Communities, is now open for applications and aims to support both professional and non-professional musicians, bands, and music organisations seeking to purchase or replace musical instruments.

Speaking at the launch, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said:

“I am pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Musical Instruments Programme. Through the financial support provided by my Department, I am committed to increasing the quality of music-making in Northern Ireland and would encourage musicians, bands and groups to make an application.

“We can all appreciate the importance of music and how it contributes to, and enriches, our cultural experiences.”

The Musical Instruments Programme supports a wide range of applicants through three tailored strands:

1. Bands

This strand supports formally constituted bands based in Northern Ireland, including flute bands, accordion bands, brass bands, pipe bands, wind bands, and concert bands.

2. Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups

This includes choirs, orchestras, community music groups, musical societies, youth groups, and both primary and post-primary schools.

3. Individual Professional Musicians

This strand is aimed at individuals working professionally in music who require new or replacement instruments to enhance their practice and performance.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, welcomed the announcement:

“With much appreciated capital investment from the Department for Communities, the Arts Council is delighted to announce the opening of the Musical Instruments Programme 2025/26.

“This valuable scheme offers bands, musical groups, schools and professional musicians the opportunity to buy new instruments, helping to increase skills for all players, from young musicians just starting out, right through to highly trained performers.

“Applications are now open on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website, with grants available across three tailored programmes.”

In 2024, a total of 119 grants were awarded through the programme, with funding allocated to 75 bands, 13 performing groups, and 31 individual professional musicians.

Applications are now being accepted and can be submitted via the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website.

• For Individual Professional Musicians, visit: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/funding-for-individuals

• For Bands and Performing Groups, visit: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/funding-for-organisations