Small venues carry the cost of putting unknown acts on stage, and this is the scheme built around that risk. The choice that matters is which stream you apply under — and you only get one shot at it.
Quick facts
- For
- Small and medium live performance venues
- Stream A
- A two-year track record of ticketed emerging-artist events
- Stream B
- Irish acts programmed in the past 12 months, plus a commitment
- Applications
- One per venue, one stream only
- Assessed by
- An independent panel
- Timing
- Being early does not help your score
What it funds
"The Scheme will provide funding for a series of events shining a spotlight on emerging acts and artists performing original material they have written/created themselves."
The purpose is explicit about the risk involved: "Support small/medium live performance venues and acknowledge the risk they take in programming and nurturing emerging original artists."
"Grassroots venues are defined as cultural venues whose main purpose is programming ticketed live performances showcasing Irish artists."
The two streams — choose carefully
"Stream A – Grassroots venues who can demonstrate a track record of two years programming ticketed events featuring early career or emerging Irish or Irish-based acts or artists performing original material they have written or created themselves."
"Stream B – Venues who can demonstrate that they have in the past 12 months programmed events (ticketed or with a cover charge) showcasing Irish or Irish-based acts or artists, and who confirm their willingness to use funding under this scheme to programme emerging Irish acts or artists."
Stream B is the wider door — a cover charge counts, not just ticketed events, and 12 months rather than two years. If your venue has been putting on Irish acts at all, read Stream B before assuming you are outside the scheme.
"Please Note: Venues can only apply for funding under one stream." and "Venues may make only one application under this Scheme." One venue, one application, one stream.
How it is judged
"All applications will be assessed by an independent panel as part of the overall evaluation. Provided the application is received before the closing date, the exact date or time of receipt will have no bearing on the evaluation."
So this is not first come, first served. Rushing a thin application to be early gains you nothing — use the time to make the case properly.
The scheme runs in annual iterations, so if you have missed this round, the thing to do is build the evidence now: keep records of the acts you programme, whether they were ticketed or cover charge, and whether they were performing original material.
Common questions
What is a grassroots venue?
Cultural venues whose main purpose is programming ticketed live performances showcasing Irish artists — typically smaller capacity venues with a reputation for developing new talent.
What is the difference between Stream A and Stream B?
Stream A is for venues with a two-year track record of programming ticketed events featuring early career or emerging Irish acts performing original material. Stream B is for venues that have programmed events showcasing Irish acts in the past 12 months, ticketed or with a cover charge, and commit to programming emerging artists with the funding.
Can I apply under both streams?
No. Venues can only apply for funding under one stream, and may make only one application under the scheme.
Does applying early help?
No. Provided the application is received before the closing date, the exact date or time of receipt has no bearing on the evaluation. All applications are assessed by an independent panel.