Max SteventonIreland is providing €1 million in funding to grassroots music and comedy venues under the 2026 Grassroots Venues Support Scheme.
The scheme, announced by the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport in Ireland Patrick O’Donovan, will sees 60 venues awarded grants of up to €20,000, up from 34 in 2025, with additional support for venues programming Irish comedy.
According to the department, applications were received from pubs, nightclubs and theatres across the country. Some 28 of the supported venues are located outside major cities.
The scheme is delivered through two streams. Stream A provides grants of up to €20,000 for established grassroots venues with a record of programming emerging Irish artists. Stream B provides grants of up to €8,000 for venues that will use the funding to stage live music or comedy events featuring emerging performers.
Applications were assessed by the Night-Time Economy Unit with input from an independent expert panel in line with scheme guidelines.
The Department said the funding will support a series of events showcasing grassroots artists performing original material. It also said the scheme is expected to support employment in areas including sound, lighting, marketing and public relations, and to increase activity in grassroots venues
“Our grassroots venues are central to nurturing emerging artists and providing them with an opportunity to hone their talent,” said 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.”