Culture
25 May 26

60 recipients of the 2026 Grassroots Venues Support Scheme have been announced

Patrick O'Donovan. Photo: Houses of the Oireachtas.

Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has announced the recipients of the 2026 Grassroots Venues Support Scheme.

Following a pilot scheme in 2025, an additional €1 million has been allocated to support grassroots music venues and showcase emerging artists across Ireland.

Sixty venues have been offered funding of up to €20,000, an increase from the 34 supported last year. Additionally, grant recipients also include venues platforming Irish comedy.

The 2026 scheme offered grants under 2 separate streams to support venues at various levels of development.

Grants of up to €20,000 were available under Stream A to established grassroots venues with a proven track record in programming emerging Irish artists. Stream B offered grants of up to €8,000 to venues that have previously programmed Irish artists and will use the funding to programme emerging artists performing live music or comedy.

"Our grassroots venues are central to nurturing emerging artists and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent, and it is very important that we recognise their contribution to the live performance industry, particularly given the challenges these venues face", said Minister O'Donovan.

"I look forward to seeing the diversity of genre and talent that will reach new audiences as a result of this funding over the months ahead. I'd also encourage audiences from across the country to embrace the resource of their local venue and support artists in the early stages of their career".

The Grassroots Venues Support Scheme is a Night-Time Economy initiative that supports the work of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and follows a recommendation arising from Action 5 in the revised Night-Time Economy Action Plan.

Funding can be used to cover direct event costs, including event production, equipment hire, artist and crew fees, PR and advertising, security, and event insurance. The scheme requires that all artists and crews be paid for their work. Additionally, if established acts are booked, venues must also programme at least one grassroots artist on the same night.