Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 December 2020
59. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the decision making bodies responsible for the allocation of the funds from the music industry stimulus package; the decision-making methodology used in deciding upon the successful applicants; the amounts awarded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40629/20]
View answerThe Music Industry Stimulus Package of €1.7 million is being managed on behalf of my Department by the music resource organisation, First Music Contact (FMC).
I am advised that all applications received by the deadline were checked for eligibility in the first instance and that all eligible applications were considered by a team of expert panellists. Panellists were required to confirm that they had no conflict of interest in any applications. Panellists who declared a conflict of interest were excluded from that applicants’ adjudication. The panel chair was independent and non-voting.
For the song writing camps and album release applications, two separate sets of 4 expert panellists considered the applications individually. Each panel of 4 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards.
For recording applications, given the large volume involved, different music genres were initially considered by four separate sets of two expert panellists. The full panel of 8 then met to agree on scores for all eligible applications and recommend awards. The standard of applications was very high and all successful applicants to this fund received maximum scores of 20 out of 20.
Applications were assessed in a competitive context and with consideration of all supporting material. All applications were assessed against criteria of:
a) artistic merit which focused on the applicant’s previous practice as well as on the viability of the proposal
b) how well the applicant met the objectives of the Stimulus Fund
c) track record which the applicant demonstrated through the CVs and other supporting material submitted and
d) details of their proposed activity under the scheme for which they applied.
Full criteria for each scheme are outlined on the FMC website https://www.firstmusiccontact.com.
