Ireland’s creative sector has received targeted support through a range of government funding programmes introduced during and after the COVID-19 crisis. The gov.ie publication on Creative Arts: Grants and Funding – Previous Schemes brings together important details on grants for live entertainment, cultural infrastructure, events businesses and commercial arts organisations.
Although the schemes listed are closed, the publication remains a useful reference for artists, producers, venues and businesses tracking previous supports and understanding how public funding has been structured.
gov.ie creative arts grants and funding schemes
The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport publication, originally published on 24 October 2019 and updated on 5 October 2026, records several completed schemes. Many were designed to help organisations reopen safely, protect employment and address losses caused by public health restrictions.
Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme 2022
The Commercial Entertainment Capital Grant Scheme 2022 supported commercial businesses operating from premises in the arts, music and entertainment sector. Successful applicants could receive up to €25,000 towards capital works linked to reopening and safe operations for staff, classes and audiences.
The scheme opened online on 1 March 2022 and closed on 31 May 2022. The publication also includes access to the list of funded grantees and the scheme guidelines.
Events Sector Covid Support Scheme
The Events Sector Covid Support Scheme provided assistance to small and medium-sized businesses facing significant disruption from COVID-19 restrictions. Grants of up to €50,000 were available as a contribution towards fixed costs.
The €11.5 million programme was funded through a transfer from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and was aimed at eligible firms that could not access the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme operated by Revenue Commissioners.
Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme
The Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme supported businesses working exclusively in the live entertainment industry. Eligible applicants included musicians, singers, sound engineers, lighting technicians, stage managers, equipment suppliers and full-time DJs.
Depending on turnover and qualifying costs, once-off payments ranged from €2,500 to €5,000. MEBAS II later extended access to smaller businesses by reducing the turnover threshold to €15,000.
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Live performance and cultural infrastructure support
The Live Performance Support Scheme was created to help commercial promoters, producers and venues employ artists, performers, musicians, technicians and other staff while capacity restrictions affected the viability of ticketed events. It also recognised additional production costs and the risk that performances could be postponed or cancelled.
Other schemes listed include the Cultural Capital Scheme 2019–2022, Stream D and Stream E, the Arts and Culture Capital Scheme 2016–2018, the Arts and Culture Small Capital Grants Scheme 2015, Grants for Arts and Culture Infrastructure and Cultural Development Expenditure.
EU State Aid requirements
Several COVID-19 supports operated under the European Union’s Temporary Aid Framework. The administering department was required to meet monitoring and reporting obligations, while grant recipients also had to comply with the conditions attached to their awards.
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What the publication means today
The gov.ie archive does not announce a new application round; it documents previous schemes and their guidelines. Organisations seeking current support should check the latest Department of Culture, Communications and Sport notices and verify eligibility, deadlines and State Aid conditions before applying.
Key takeaway: the gov.ie creative arts funding archive shows how Ireland used targeted grants to support live performance, events businesses and cultural infrastructure during a period of exceptional disruption.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
