A part of the €50 million suite of measures to assist the live performance sector, €25m has been allocated to Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 2021) which has now closed for applications. There was a high level of interest in this scheme, with over 400 applications received by the closing date of 14 April. The assessment of applications has now finished and applicants have been notified of the outcome of their applications. LPSS 2021 builds on the successful pilot Live Performance Support Scheme in 2020, which provided thousands of days of employment to hundreds of musicians, actors, crew and technicians in tandem with a pipeline of high quality on-line much needed entertainment for Irish audiences. The 2021 scheme is aimed at supporting employment and wellbeing opportunities across all genres and the continued production of high quality artistic output for the public.
An allocation of €14m has been made available for the Music and Entertainment Business Assistance Scheme (MEBAS) to make a contribution to the overheads of businesses, specifically musicians and related crew, that have been significantly negatively affected by COVID-19 and that do not qualify for other business supports.
This scheme sees support offered by way of three levels of once-off flat payments;
- €2,500 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €20,000 - €50,000 with minimum business costs of €3,000 incurred from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021;
- €4,000 for businesses with a VAT-exclusive turnover of €50,001- €100,000 with minimum business costs of €6,000 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021;
- €5,000 for businesses with VAT-exclusive turnover in excess of €100,000 with minimum business costs of €7,500 from 1 April 2020 to 31 May 2021
Under the scheme, businesses including musicians, singers, lighting and sound crew and audio equipment suppliers - whether sole traders, partnerships or incorporated entities - operating exclusively within the commercial live entertainment sector will be eligible to apply. This scheme is open for applications now following wide consultation with the sector and applications are being received and processed. Further details in relation to this scheme, including guidelines and the application portal can be found on my department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/service/3cc71-music-and-entertainment-business-assistance-scheme/.
All local authorities have received an allocation under the Local Live Performance Programming Scheme sharing a total of €5 million for live performances in summer 2021 to animate town centres, should public health considerations permit. This will allow for the procurement by all local authorities of performances by local performers. Performances can be recorded or streamed if health restrictions prevent live events.
Up to €1 million was allocated to the St Patrick's Festival 2021 for programming and it supported over 3,500 days of employment for performers, producers, artists, technicians, creatives and support staff. With gatherings still restricted, SPF 2021 curated a rich and dynamic programme of events involving hundreds of artists, musicians, performers, creators, and community organisations which was broadcast on the St. Patrick’s Festival TV online channel marking the national day.
