The Arts Council has announced the awards made in the recent round of applications for Commissions. 79 applications were received from all art forms, of which 49 were shortlisted for adjudication by a peer panel; 29 awards were made to a total value of 119,500 and of these, 15 are music commissions.

Council member Theo Dorgan chaired the panel, which comprised Valerie Connor, Ali Curran, Eve O’Kelly, Jürgen Simpson and Gerry Stembridge. It was noted by the panel that there is still confusion regarding the aims and objectives of Commissions, and it is recommended that applicants familiarise themselves with the published guidelines. The Commissions award fosters the creation of new work by encouraging new relationships between artists and commissioners and provides up to 75% of fees (only). It was also noted that many applicants disregarded the 10,000 limit for the award and/or reconfigured proposals to resemble a commission.