FAQs
Do I need proof of insurance to make an application?
It is sufficient to show a quote for insurance in your budget when making a submission for the commission. If you are awarded the commission you will then need to provide proof of insurance.
Do the musicians I want to work with need to also be aged 50+ or can they be of any age?
As long as the lead individual, the person who is composing the music and making the proposal is aged 50+ then the musicians they work with can be of any age.
If you have active links to prior works in your CV, should these links be copied into the section of the application which asks you to provide samples of prior works?
The only works which will be assessed are the ones which you include in Section 8 of your application. So, If you wish to have these works in your CV assessed then yes, please upload them into section 8.
Is it relevant to include examples of other artforms when uploading examples of prior works?
If the work is relevant to the proposal that you are making, then yes.
Is there an ideal length of music to compose for the commission?
This is up to the individual and how you approach the proposal.
The commission will be performed at the Bealtaine Flagship Festival from May 20th – 22nd, 2027. How many performances will take place over this period?
There will be one performance of the commission during the Bealtaine Flagship Festival event taking place from May 20th – 22nd, 2027.
Will the commission be recorded or if you wish to record the work should this be included in your budget proposal?
Bealtaine will make a standard recording of the performance as a whole. If you wish to make a professional production recording then this should be included in your budget proposal.
Is it required to have a professional production recording of your piece?
No, this is not a requirement.
What format should you present your piece in for the proposal?
The proposal is just that- a proposal- we are not expecting you to have a new piece of finished work to propose. The idea is that you describe the proposed piece as well as you can in your proposal and use your supporting prior works to give a sense of how the piece will take sound/take form.
Will artists need to access the PAYE system in order to be paid for the commission?
The payment comes in the form of a bursary for artists so no. Artists will manage tax around the bursary themselves.
If the artist is paying a number of other musicians and performers to work on the commission, is it possible for Bealtaine to pay some of these performers directly or is it the responsibility of the artist to accept the full €15,000 and pay everyone?
There is room for discussion around this with Bealtaine and the winning artist.
If I plan to work with a number of other artists and musicians, would it be useful to include a memorandum of agreement between the artists and the musicians in the supporting documentation.
Yes, it could potentially strengthen the proposal if you can show who you are working with and that they have committed to working with you on realising your proposal.
Is there any advantage to bringing in musicians to work with you from different parts of the country or should we prioritise Clare based artists as this commission comes from and will be performed in County Clare?
The main objective is that the artist themself is based in Co Clare, and that the composition resonates with a Co Clare based audience. Working with artists and musicians from outside of Co Clare will not be detrimental to your application.
Will working with a wide spectrum of ages, including considerably older musicians, potentially strengthen your application?
It will come down to the quality of your proposal as opposed to the ages of the musicians you are working with.
How did the Bealtaine Flagship Festival end up coming to Co Clare?
The decision was made to move the flagship festival around the country on a rotating basis. Clare Arts office put forward a proposal and won, hence will be be the first county outside Dublin to host the flagship festival.
Will the performance of the commission be held in glór?
Possibly yes. But if the piece demands something other than a straightforward performance, then this can be looked at but to keep in mind that the main venues will be glór, Súil Gallery, Ennis Library and Clare Museum. If you think the performance of your piece will merit a particular type of space then please specify this to the best of your ability in your proposal.
Does the application have to be in the musician’s (musician meaning the person who is composing the piece of music) name or can someone else apply on behalf of the musician?
Yes, it must be in the musician’s name and someone else cannot apply for the musician.