The Irish music industry launches emergency relief fund for artists impacted by Covid-19

A new fund to support Irish musicians through the Covid-19 pandemic has been set up by key music industry bodies.

The fund is an effort to assist Irish music creators struggling financially, many of whom are freelancers or small businesses, as revenue streams from royalties and live music have all but dried up.

The fund is open to songwriters, composers, performers, session musicians and arrangers. Successful applicants will receive a one-off emergency relief payment of €750, following a review by a committee of music industry professionals.

MORE: See the latest Official Irish Albums Chart Top 50

The organisations involved in the fund are the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA) and First Music Contact (FMC); Spotify has also offered to donate a sum, plus match donations from the organisations dollar-for-dollar, up to a total contribution of €10 million. Individuals and companies who wish to donate to the fund are encouraged to do so.

“We hope that this fund can help to ease some of [the creative community's] worries and fears.” Chair of IMRO Eleanor McEvoy said in a statement, “We are also appealing to anyone who is passionate about Irish music to donate to the fund to ensure we can help as many people as possible...Music unites us and is fundamental to who we are. Losing it would be detrimental to our society and culture.”

For more information about eligibility, and how to apply or donate please visit the website here.

© IRMA