Analyzing the needs of the applicants of the Fund, which has been up since March 2022, we found that many musicians who were forced to relocate due to the war need help purchasing musical instruments to continue their professional activities.

Instruments are important not only for performers: they are also necessary for education and for writing music. The availability of certain instruments in Ukraine directly informs the ability of Ukrainian composers to create works for these instruments.

Therefore, the demand for musical instruments goes far beyond the personal needs of musicians — it is an infrastructural problem that Kyiv Contemporary Music Days aims to address with Instrumental.

Instrumental may cover all or part of the cost (but only if the applicant has the funds to cover the remainder) for:

• purchase of a new or used musical instrument;

• repair of an existing musical instrument;

• restoration, maintenance, upgrade of an existing musical instrument;

• purchase of accessories for an existing musical instrument.

1. An actual musical instrument (violin, clarinet, triangle, etc.) and its accessories (bow, reed, stick, etc.);

2. Software and other types of equipment necessary for professionals in the field of classical music to continue their professional activities at the appropriate level or for professional development;

3. A combination of the above items (for example, a violin, bow, strings, and rosin; or a microphone, sound card, and cables), if the applicant can justify the purchase of such a combination.

Professionals in the field of classical music — performers, composers, musicologists, music teachers, sound engineers, etc. — can apply for Instrumental.

Applicants must meet the following formal criteria:

1. Age of majority (18 years of age or older);

2. Citizenship / residency of Ukraine or documented experience of active professional activity in Ukraine during recent years;

3. Proven experience in the field of professional classical music in recent years (detailed requirements are listed in the application form);

4. At least two letters of recommendation from representatives of the professional musical community (individuals) or one letter from a professional musical institution (union, ensemble, NGO, school, etc.);

5. Documents necessary for receiving the grant (ID, Ukrainian taxpayer number).

It is possible to apply both individually and as a representative of a collective (ensemble, orchestra, educational institution, etc.) and justify the purchase of a musical instrument based on the needs of such a collective. 

To apply for Instrumental, you must fill in an online application no later than 22 January 2024, 11:59 PM Kyiv time. Please note that you need a Google Account to submit the application. Applicants who pass the formal criteria will receive a response regarding the evaluation results in February 2024.

The applications will be evaluated by a specialized Board consisting of Ukrainian experts in the field of classical music. The selection criteria include the justification of the need for a specific instrument, active professional activity in the field of classical music, professional achievements, and the applicant’s potential for presenting Ukraine at the international level.  

The selection results will be announced at the beginning of March 2024.

Contact address for inquiries and suggestions: instrumental@kcmd.eu.