Due to new restrictions on live performances and the entertainment industry, the Irish Government has announced additional funding of 50 million euro to support the Live Performance Sector. 

20 million euro has been allocated specifically to support performances in December and January which may need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to capacity limits. The Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 3) will open for applications on Friday December 17.

Venues, including nightclubs that host live events, producers and promoters of events can apply for up to 50% of their eligible costs to be covered by this scheme. The new funding also includes five million euro for ventilation upgrades and other Covid-19 adaptions.

A minimum of 14 million euro has been allocated for performances staged from February 2022 to June 2022. Applications for this new Live Performance Support Scheme (LPSS 4) will open in January.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD commented on the new funding: “The live entertainment sector has been asked to shoulder a heavy burden with these new restrictions.”

“I know audiences are still seeking live performance experiences after venues were closed for so long and I do not want to see stages going dark in the coming weeks. LPSS 3 will provide venues with the flexibility to decide if they will proceed with their events or reschedule and keep artists and crew employed.”

“I am committed to supporting the live performance and nightclub sector as they journey through a difficult and unprecedented phase of business operations.”

Other supports announced today include an increase of three million euro for pantomime and seasonal musical theatre performances. Barriers to entry for the LPSS 2 scheme have also been reduced to €100,000 from €300,000. One million euro has been allocated for Saint Patricks Festival 2022.

Those in the creative and the events sector who are experiencing uncertainty due to the possible new restrictions can reach out to Minding Creatives, a free 24/7 well-being and support program for the Irish creatives. Check out their website here.

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