23 January 2017, Dublin – Today an open call was announced for Music Education Partnerships to apply for Phase 2 of Music Generation, a pioneering national non-mainstream music education programme that creates access to high-quality, subsidised vocal and instrumental tuition for children and young people in their own locality. A total of €3m in funding, from philanthropic investment by U2 and The Ireland Funds, is available through this call, which will enable Music Generation’s expansion into new areas of the Republic of Ireland between 2017 and 2021.
Applications are invited from Music Education Partnerships – locally-based groups of people and organisations, led by an Education and Training Board or a Local Authority, that come together to establish sustainable music programmes in their communities. Initiated by Music Network in 2010, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Skills and Local Music Education Partnerships.
The Department of Education and Skills currently supports the Music Generation initiative with an investment of €2.5m per year.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton T.D. said: “I am delighted that my Department currently invests €2.5 million to support this educational programme. This programme plays an enormous role in providing children with access to a music education. We are delighted to work in partnership with U2 and The Ireland Funds to enable the expansion of the Music Generation programme and to ensure the future of non-mainstream music education in Ireland. Our ongoing co-funding of Music Generation’s first phase and our commitment to the long-term future of Phase 2 mark a significant investment by Government in the musical futures of Ireland’s children and young people.”
U2’s Adam Clayton said: “We’re so proud of Music Generation’s great achievement – and the government’s commitment is so important – in bringing this programme to 38,000+ children across the country. The sky is the limit over the next five years.”
“Music Generation is a terrific example of what can be achieved as a result of visionary public-private partnership” said Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide President and CEO, The Ireland Funds. “The initial philanthropic investment in the programme is already yielding extraordinary results, inspiring and enriching the lives of 38,000 children and young people across Ireland. We look forward to working with U2 and the Department of Education and Skills to establish this new phase of Music Generation on a sustainable footing.”
Currently Music Generation is established in 11 Music Education Partnerships across Ireland. It offers more than 100 different programmes across all genres and styles of music, reaching 38,000 children and young people annually and creating over 330 employment opportunities.
National Director of Music Generation, Rosaleen Molloy said: “Music Generation believes passionately that it is every child and young person’s right to have the choice of access and the chance to participate as a musical citizen. The launch of this next exciting phase means that Music Generation’s reach will grow even further, coming closer to our ultimate vision of universal access. We are so grateful to U2, The Ireland Funds and the Department of Education and Skills for making this possible and we look forward to working with new Music Education Partnerships in establishing the programme in new areas of the country over the next five years.”
New Music Education Partnerships must register their interest in applying to Music Generation by Friday 17 February, 2017. The closing date for completed applications is Wednesday 31st May 2017.
Full details and application guidelines are available at www.musicgeneration.ie/apply
//ENDS
Media contact:
Aoife Lucey, Communications Manager Music Generation
+353 1 475 8454 / +353 85 741 5171 / aoife@musicgeneration.ie
NOTES TO EDITORS
Music Generation Phase 2, General Information Sessions:
Two general information sessions about this new phase for Music Generation will take place on:
Tuesday 24 January 2017, 12 noon – 2pm
National Concert Hall, Dublin
Thursday 26 January 2017, 12 noon – 2pm
Athlone Springs Hotel, Athlone
Book your place online or contact the National Development Office:
e info@musicgeneration.ie
t +353 1 475 8454
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