Arts Council NI funding programmes now open

Funding opportunities for Northern Ireland artists

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has a series of funding programmes to support local artists, organisations, and communities.

Several of them backed by the National Lottery, these grants and awards aim to boost creativity and innovation across the region. From digital art projects to rural community engagement, the funding offers resources for various activities.

Here's a list of the current opportunities and their deadlines.

National Lottery Project Funding for Individual Artists

Grants of between £3,000 and £10,000 are available to support the wide range of activities that can be undertaken by artists of all disciplines in relation to their practice.

Musical Instruments for Bands

This programme aims to increase the quality of music-making in the community by helping bands to replace worn-out instruments and purchase new instruments.

Musical Instruments for Professional and Non-professional Performing Groups

Support is available for the purchase of musical instruments by groups involved in the professional and non-professional performance of music and to respond to a broad range of capital needs within the music sector in Northern Ireland.

Small Capital Grants Programme

Grants aim to support organisations across Northern Ireland to maintain their creative spaces addressing any issues that may hinder the work to take place. For example, purchase equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises.

National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme

Grants from £1,000 to £10,000 are available for community groups, arts organisations and councils across Northern Ireland to deliver arts projects benefitting older people.

National Lottery Travel Awards

These awards enable individual artists and established music groups (up to two members) to travel from Northern Ireland to develop their skills and expertise.

Find out more about the Arts Council NI's funding programmes.

First published 8 August 2024