Stage is set for Kilkenny performers to apply for new €4m support scheme
Kilkenny musicians and performers who saw their livlihoods decimated during the pandemic have been urged to apply for a new industry grant announced by the Government this week.
Some €4 million has been set aside for this 2022 strand of the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) as part of the €50 million in supports earmarked for live entertainment sector.
Welcoming the grant, Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan said: “Performers and people in the music industry such as crew, who are impacted by Covid restrictions, should now prepare to apply for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme announced by Government.
“Many in the music industry found themselves ineligible for the CRSS (Covid Restrictions Support Scheme), so we supported over 1,000 such people through the MEBAS Scheme in 2021. This scheme is similar to CRSS in that it provides grants of up to the value of 15% of the average monthly VAT-exclusive turnover prior to the pandemic. It is designed to support those in the music industry who have been severely impacted by covid with their overheads.”
To be eligible, individuals or sole traders will need to demonstrate that their 2021 turnover was no more than 40% of their average turnover prior to the pandemic. Self-employed individuals and sole traders including performers such as musicians, singers, DJ’s lighting and sound crew, audio equipment suppliers will be eligible to apply.
Deputy Phelan (pictured below) added: “Government has made this scheme simpler and easier to access. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, has confirmed that the guidelines go live on her Department’s website next Tuesday 25th January and the scheme will open for applications on Thursday 27th January.
“The grant will be paid for six months from January 2022 to June 2022 to assist self-employed performers, sole traders and businesses which have seen significant reductions in their turnover due to the Covid-19. This will help them rebuild as we move towards reopening the economy in 2022.”
