After taking place virtually for the last two year due to the pandemic, Ireland Music Week returns to Dublin venues this October 4-7 – with the festival calling on artists to apply to showcase now.

“This is the 20th year of Ireland Music Week (previously HWCH), and as a showcase and meeting ground for the global industry, it has become a world-beating festival," comments Angela Dorgan, CEO of First Music Contact, who run Ireland Music Week (IMW). "Uniquely IMW has managed to keep the showcasing focus exclusively on the best emerging Irish acts each year, giving them the best opportunities to develop professionally. IMW has also led the charge by delivering a gender-balanced line-up for the last five years, which has in turn, delivered more equal and diverse line-ups for our international activity as well as Irish festival line-ups. The festival has long been the catalyst for real change in the Irish music industry and we hope to keep delivering on that for the sector for decades to come.”

“Over the last two decades, Ireland Music Week has played a critical role mentoring and developing new Irish musical talent," adds Christine Sisk, Director of Culture Ireland. “Culture Ireland has supported IMW over these years recognising in particular the importance of it as a platform to create international opportunities for Irish musicians”.

Up to 50 acts will have the chance to play and take part in this internationally-recognised event showcasing Ireland’s best emerging talent. The showcases will take place on the Thursday and Friday night of the festival, with tickets on sale now.

The conference will feature a dedicated AIM Ireland day, along with panels, workshops and one-to-one meetings for the artists with international and Irish professionals.

Since its inception in 2003, the festival has showcased many of Ireland’s most celebrated acts, including Fontaines D.C., David Keenan, Denise Chaila, Kynsy, CMAT, Alex Gough, Aoife Nessa Frances, Pillow Queens, THUMPER, Soulé, Daithí, Jafaris, Chasing Abbey, Saint Sister, Wyvern Lingo, Just Mustard , Villagers, Hozier, Girl Band, Jape, The Coronas, Talos, Le Boom, Loah, Soak, Hazey Haze, Sinead O’ Brien, Æ Mak, Kitt Phillippa, Ailbhe Reddy, MELTS, April, Jyellowl, Somebody’s Child, Junior Brother, Tebi Rex and more.

Last year's festival, meanwhile, featured the likes of Sprints, M(h)aol, Bobbi Arlo, Bicurious, Cooks But We’re Chefs, Dea Matrona, FYA FOX, Niamh Regan, Pastiche, Pretty Happy, Will Troy and many more.

Apply for Ireland Music Week 2022 here.