Statement on Music Industry Stimulus Package

Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

29 November 2020

The response to the Music Industry Stimulus Package was far in excess of what was anticipated with
close to 1800 applications received for the 3 schemes which covered song camps, new recording and
album releases. This strong response reflects both the strength of the music industry in Ireland as
well as the current need for support in the absence of live performance income. The Package was
managed by First Music Contact (FMC)on behalf of the Department. A review of the operation of this
year‘s package will inform planning support for the music industry in future years.

Through the scheme 319 awards were given which covered the range of music genres for which
applications were received as well as a mix of emerging and established artists. Support will assist
musicians to create new material, record singles, EPs and albums and releases albums. This support
will aid those working widely in the music sector, including artists, engineers and publicists.

The Music Industry Support Package has been able to fund 79 song camps to create new material, 56
album releases and 184 recordings across music genres including rock, indie, jazz, trad, folk, country
classical and electronic. This support assists not alone those awarded funding but helps those
working in the wider music sector, including engineers, public relations, media, agents, labels
and publishers.

The panel members who assessed the applications were published on the FMC website in advance
of applications being processed. Panellists were required to confirm that they had no conflict of
interest in any applications. Panellists who declared a conflict of interest were excluded from that
applicants’ adjudication. The panel chair was independent and non-voting. All applications received
by the deadline were checked for eligibility in the first instance and that all eligible applications were
considered by a team of expert panellists.

The panel members for song camps and album releases considered applications individually and
then the panel members for each scheme met to agree final assessment outcomes.
There were 8 members in the recording assessment panel as this scheme attracted the greatest
interest with over 1400 applications. Two expert panellists considered selected music genres
separately and then the 8 members met to agree on recommendations for funding awards. The
standard was such that only applicants who scored 100% for recording could be supported.
All applicants were contacted directly by FMC with the outcome of their application
and approved applicants were notified of their approval to proceed. Feedback will be available for
declined applicants from FMC, if requested.

Applications were considered under the criteria which were published in advance on the FMC
website https://www.firstmusiccontact.com
a) artistic merit which focused on the applicant’s previous practice as well as on the
viability of the proposal
b) how well they met the objectives of the Stimulus Fund
c) track record which the applicant demonstrated through the CV(s) and other
supporting material submitted and
d) details of their proposed activity under the scheme. for which they applied.
A full list of successful applicants by scheme is published on the FMC website. These cover many
emerging artists and the wide range of music genres for which applications were made.

Given the volume of applications and short timeframe this year there was no scope to revert to
applicants who did not submit complete applications. To ensure applicants were well prepared FMC
organised 3 meetings which were attended by an average of 200 each. These were designed to
inform and assist potential applicants.
Funding this year has been fully expanded so no further applications or revised applications can be
considered.

There have been recent meetings held at official level in the Department with representatives of the
sector about the Music Industry Stimulus Package and all feedback will inform future support
schemes. There is a commitment to arrange assistance for future potential applicants on applying
and the process involved in seeking funding supports.

These programmes will be reviewed as part of plans to evolve and increase music support schemes
under the €50m agreed in Budget 2021 for the live performance sector.