Music

Music is part of the lived daily life of every citizen, and resonates deeply with people from all walks of life in Ireland.

The Irish musical landscape encompasses a wide variety of genres and traditions, as well as a wealth of contemporary styles. Our musical life is enhanced by an open internationalism, and by a broad spectrum of widespread youth and community music making.

Robin Panter and Richard Angell, Irish Chamber Orchestra Violas. Photo: Dee Organ.

How we develop music

Irish professional musical life is characterised by a large vibrant community of creative and performing music artists, energised by their engagement with audiences in Ireland and abroad.

Our music policy and strategy provides a framework to guide our development and support of music, as well as setting out current strategic priorities.

Learn more about how we develop music

Vocalist Dana Masters stands behind a microphone. She looks down and away from the mic and the viewer with an emotional look on her face. Her hand is raised, ready to curl around the microphone

Vocalist Dana Masters performs at The Cooler for Musictown 2023, Improvised Music Company. Photo: Louis Scully.

Publications

View the latest research and reports.

Latest funding opportunities for music

More funding opportunities

Individual

Applications open Closing: 24 Apr

Agility Award

The Agility Award supports individual professional artists and arts practitioners who have not been previously funded as an individual by the Arts Council. It focuses on enabling artists to develop their practice, develop their work and develop their skills.

Individual & Organisation

Applications open Closing: 8 May

Touring of Work Scheme 2026 – Round 1

The Touring of Work Scheme supports the touring of work across Ireland by individual artists and organisations. It focuses on making great art from different artforms available to more people throughout the country.

Organisation

Opening soon Opening: 29 Apr

Festivals Investment Scheme – Round 1

The Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences. It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.

Individual

Opening soon Opening: 20 May

Music Bursary Award – Round 2

The Bursary Award supports individual artists to develop their artistic practice. It focuses on providing artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice.

Our Music team

Vacant

Head of Music and Opera

Isis Cortes

Music and Opera Assistant

Tara Bolger

Application Support Manager Music and Opera

Sarah Carroll

Music and Opera Assistant

Áine Kelly

Music and Opera Officer

Conal Ryan

Music Adviser

Get in touch

Contact our team with your questions about music.

musicandopera@artscouncil.ie
+353 1 6180229