Earlier this year, Ireland was announced as the international partner for the 2025 edition of Showcase Scotland as part of Celtic Connections 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland (22 – 26 January 2025)
Culture Ireland now invites applications from musicians and bands who wish to participate in this prestigious showcase opportunity.
Established in 1994, Celtic Connections is one of the leading annual festivals of world, folk and roots music with more than 2,100 musicians from across the globe taking part in 300 events at 25 Glasgow venues over 18 days. Each year, during Celtic Connections, Showcase Scotland partners with a country offering a showcase opportunity for a selected number of bands.
Selected Irish artists will perform as part of the Showcase Scotland event (Fri 24 January 2025) in front of an invited audience of approximately 180 international delegates, made up of industry professionals, agents, and festival and venue programmers. In addition, they will receive a paid performance as part of the Celtic Connections public programme during their visit.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Musicians with an emerging profile of national and international performance (bands, ensembles and solo artists from across the island of Ireland are all eligible to apply)
Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
• the artist(s) must demonstrate that they are in a position to capitalise on this opportunity including availability of promotional materials and management or agency support
• quality of production and presentation
• evidence of positive independent critical recognition
• current international programming and touring trends
Applicants should submit through the Culture Ireland Showcase application system
Culture Ireland will prepare a shortlist of artists from the applicants and the final selection will be made by Celtic Connections.
Applicants should include:
• Full biographical information including current links to website and social media presence
• Information on the proposed management and/or agency supports
• High Quality Video footage of the band in performance
• MP3s of at least three audio tracks
Additional information:
• Culture Ireland will support the travel costs and provide an honorarium associated with the showcase performance
• Applicants from new communities, minorities or artists presenting in the Irish language are particularly welcome, aligning with Culture Ireland’s strategic priorities. You can read our current strategy.
• If you require additional support in completing this application, please contact [email protected]
• Artists who participated in the Ireland focus at Showcase Scotland in 2018 are not eligible for this opportunity
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 5pm.
