- Press
£400,000 council investment provides boost to Belfast music scene
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By Ryan Moss
- 14 Oct 2024
- 4 min read
Image: Oh Yea Music Centre
Belfast City Council will invest £400,000 into the city’s music scene, delivering several initiatives that aim to support music in the area.
It follows Belfast’s declaration as a UNESCO City of Music in 2021 and continues the council’s development of a ‘Music Matters’ roadmap and the formation of the Belfast Region Music Board.
The first initiative will be the UNESCO City of Music Day on Saturday, November 9th. Featuring artists from Belfast and Kansas, USA, it is part of the Belfast International Arts Festival and one of several joint events between cities that have been awarded the UNESCO City of Music title.
Next, Output Belfast will return on Tuesday, November 12th. Taking place as part of the 10th edition of the Sound of Belfast Festival, those looking to break into the industry will be able to watch panel discussions, take part in workshops and attend networking events.
An internship programme with WorkPlus will support the recruitment of seven paid placements, matching those with ambitions of breaking into the industry with music organisations.
Council funding will ensure the continuation of The Gradam Ceoil bursary scheme for traditional musicians and a micro-bursary scheme with the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. Applications for both schemes open in January 2025.
A partnership with the professional development programme Pathways into Music will bring together 50-100 music tutors and teachers, equipping them with the information needed to support young people who would like to pursue music as a career. This will be supported by the Education Authority.
The council has also given extended support to online hub Music Connections, a hip-hop conference will take place on November 7th and 8th, and children will be supported to purchase musical instruments thanks to a grant programme as part of Ulster Orchestra’s Crescendo Project.
Elsewhere, the University of Atypical will support events to develop and promote platforms for performers from the deaf, neurodivergent and disabled music community.
Workshops co-designed with the Music Venue Trust (MVT) will enable staff from grassroots venues to develop relationships with their peers across the UK, in areas like event space, equipment needs and marketing.
A series of projects to support the mental and physical wellbeing of music creators are also planned for this autumn. A pilot scheme, Fit to March, will look at wellbeing in marching band communities, while events and practical training will be provided for venues as part of Equity NI’s Safe Home Campaign, supporting those working at or attending live events.
Speaking about the investment, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Mickey Murray said: “A huge amount of work has gone into maximising the benefits of our UNESCO City of Music status and ensuring we support and strengthen our industry to unlock its potential to create jobs, develop vibrancy and help people access the arts.”
He continued: “With the council’s support, this good work will continue, giving our musicians and those working in the gig economy the tools, skills and opportunities to develop their careers, both in Belfast and beyond our shores.”
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