CMC Welcomes Extension of Artists' Scheme to All Artists

 
The Contemporary Music Centre welcomes the Government’s announcement today (5 July 2019) that it is extending the Artists’ Scheme to all artists.  
 
The Artists’ Scheme, which was introduced in June 2017 for visual artists and writers on a pilot basis, is designed to achieve greater ease of access to social protection for artists.  

Having campaigned for the inclusion of composers since this pilot scheme was first mooted in early 2017, CMC welcomes the extension of this scheme to all artists, including composers.  Welcoming this initiative, Director Evonne Ferguson said:

‘On behalf of composers, the Contemporary Music Centre is delighted to welcome the much-awaited and much-needed extension of the Artists’ Scheme to all artists, including composers, on the path towards meeting composers’ needs as artists.

Following the Ministers' announcement of the pilot scheme for visual artists and writers in June 2017, the Contemporary Music Centre and the Association of Irish Composers initiated the #ArtistsAccessSupports social media campaign on behalf of composers.
 
As this is a key commitment under the Creative Ireland Programme, in the two years since the pilot scheme was introduced, CMC has consistently kept up the pressure, through all channels available to it, to have this pilot scheme reviewed and extended to composers.’   

In anticipation of the extension of this pilot scheme to composers, CMC met with Karan O’Loughlin of Irish Equity and Graham Macken of the Musicians’ Union of Ireland yesterday (4 July 2019) to discuss the process of certification of professional composers for eligibility to participate in the Artists’ Scheme.  Thanking Irish Equity and the MUI for this timely meeting, Ms. Ferguson said: 

‘As the extension of the Artists’ Scheme to all artists, including composers, is expected to come into effect in the autumn, time is of the essence.  Accordingly, CMC wants to ensure, well in advance, that no hurdles will be encountered in relation to participation by composers in this scheme.  
 
This is why CMC arranged a meeting with Irish Equity and the Musicians’ Union of Ireland yesterday (4 July 2019) in anticipation of the extension of the scheme to composers. We had a very fruitful meeting, and CMC looks forward very much to working closely with Irish Equity and the MUI to address any issues that may arise before the extension comes into effect.’   

In addition to continuing this ongoing work to ensure that all procedures are in place when this extension comes into effect, Irish Equity and the MUI have agreed to host with CMC a Composers’ Information Day later this month.  Speaking about this Composers’ Information Day, Ms. Ferguson said: 

‘With a view to encouraging all composers to embrace this Artists’ Scheme, CMC is organising a detailed briefing for composers later this month, together with Irish Equity and the Musicians’ Union of Ireland.  CMC urges all composers to make themselves available to attend this important briefing in person, if at all possible.’

Details of this Composers’ Information Day will be provided as soon as they are available. This briefing will be a daytime event and will be open to all composers. It is anticipated that it will be live-streamed in order to provide the greatest access possible. 

Register for the Composers' Information Day here.