Music Generation announces final funding recipients South Dublin and Clare

South Dublin and Clare to receive up to €850,000 in Funding, U2’s The Edge Celebrates the achievements of Music Generation.

Music Generation, the U2 and Ireland Funds’ supported National Music Education Programme initiated by Music Network, today announced that South Dublin and Clare have been selected for participation in the fourth and final round of the programme. Both Clare and South Dublin Music Education Partnerships will receive over €400,000 each in seed funding which will enable high quality, accessible music education programmes to be provided for children and young people in their local communities. Currently Music Generation reaches some 15,000 children and young people across 10 counties, with today’s announcement expected to bring a further 5,000 participants into the programme over the next three years.

Music Generation was launched in 2009 as a result of a €7m philanthropic donation by U2 and The Ireland Funds to support the implementation of a national system of local music education services, the framework for which was developed by Music Network. The Department of Education and Skills will continue to co-fund the programme with Local Music Education Partnerships when the philanthropic donations cease and today, Minister Ruairí Quinn offered his congratulations to Clare and South Dublin saying, “Music Generation is a great example of how when we put our heads together we can deliver really exciting arts in education programmes in new and innovative ways through partnership.

“Children and young people’s creativity can be unlocked by music. It is a core element of education, but music also offers much more. The development of musical skills can help young people to achieve their potential in the area of ICT and computer programming. The Department of Education and Skills remains committed to the long-term development of Music Generation and will commence co-funding the initiative with Local Music Education Partnerships from July 2014 beginning initially with Louth, Mayo and Sligo.”

The announcement marks Music Generation reaching its target rollout to 12 areas of the country 18 months ahead of original schedule. U2’s The Edge praised the tremendous commitment of all partners involved in enabling the programme’s success "There is music in all of us but it often takes some lessons from an inspired music teacher to open this World to young people. We are very proud that Music Generation, working with our many crucially important local and national partners, have so far been able to provide high quality music lessons to over 15,000 children across the country."

Kieran McLoughlin, President & CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds said “The Ireland Funds are proud to back Music Generation which has achieved so much so soon. In unlocking the creativity of young people, creating employment opportunities for musicians and enhancing the cultural life of communities, it is a testament to the power of philanthropy. Our donors are so impressed by its impact that our goal of raising €2 million for the project was reached two years ahead of schedule as part of our Promising Ireland Campaign.”

Music Generation Chairman, Tony Ó Dálaigh took the opportunity to thank the programme’s benefactors stating that “Music Generation would not have become the success story that it is today were it not for the visionary philanthropic efforts of U2 and The Ireland Funds to get behind Music Network’s national strategy and the commitment of the Local Music Education Partnerships to simply make it happen. Music Generation is transforming the quality of life for so many children and young people - Ireland’s ‘music generation’ of the future.”

ENDS//

Media Contact:
Síle Murphy,
Q4PR,
88 St Stephens Green,
Dublin 2.
086 0288 132 / 01 475 1 444

Note to editors

Music Generation is Ireland’s National Music Education Programme, initiated by Music Network and funded by U2 and The Ireland Funds, together with Local Music Education Partnerships. Music Generation helps children and young people access high quality subsidised music education in their local area.

Music Network established Music Generation on receipt of a €7 million donation in 2009 from U2 and The Ireland Funds, following a ten year campaign for the development of a national system of music education in Ireland. South Dublin and Clare have now been selected for participation and join Carlow, Limerick City and Offaly/Westmeath, Cork City, Laois, Louth, Mayo, Sligo and Wicklow where the programme is now operational.

Music Generation works closely with the Department of Education and Skills who have committed to continuing to develop and sustain the Music Education Partnerships with Exchequer funding in future years when the donations cease. The Department of Education and Skills will commence co-funding the initiative on a phased basis from July 2014, beginning initially in Louth, Mayo & Sligo. Visit www.musicgeneration.ie for further information.

Music Generation Clare will develop, co-ordinate and manage the delivery of a range of affordable, geographically accessible high quality performance music programmes for children and young people throughout County Clare. Among the ambitious plans which will be rolled out over the next three years are a range of access and performance programmes delivered through a number of outreach points within the county including a Music in the Classroom and Community series, county youth orchestra and children’s choir.

Music Generation South Dublin aims to create the foundation for a sustainable, enriching and inclusive music education service in the county which will inspire and engage children and young people to participate in active music-making regardless of socio-economic circumstances or geographical location. Programmes will be delivered via Community Music Hubs and in-school / after-school programmes including new choirs and youth ensembles, composition and music technology workshop and the development of spaces for rehearsal, recording and performance.