£75,000 arts funding opens across Northern Ireland with June deadline for community projects

Pictured is the Bluebell Arts Project, one of last year's grant recipients

Arts organisations and creative groups across Northern Ireland have been given a fresh opportunity to secure significant funding, with grants of up to £75,000 now available to support projects aimed at growing and diversifying participation in the arts.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has officially opened applications for its National Lottery Project Funding programme, offering awards ranging from £10,001 to £75,000 for one-year projects designed to strengthen community engagement and expand audiences across the region.

Funding aimed at boosting access and inclusion

The programme is focused on supporting activities that benefit people living in Northern Ireland or help locally based arts organisations deliver their work more effectively.

Projects are expected to reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland’s society and culture, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and widening participation in the arts.

Funding will prioritise initiatives that encourage involvement from children and young people, older people, and people with disabilities, while also supporting work led by artists and organisations operating at the highest professional standards.

There is also a clear push to reach underrepresented groups, with encouragement for applications involving minority ethnic artists, D/deaf, neurodiverse and disabled artists, emerging artists, working-class artists and LGBTQIA artists.

Focus on rural communities and new creative work

In addition to inclusion, the programme places importance on delivering high-quality arts programming in rural areas, helping ensure access to cultural experiences is not limited by geography.

Applicants are also encouraged to bring forward innovative and original work across all artforms, showcasing the creativity and talent of Northern Ireland’s artistic community.

Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

“Thanks to National Lottery funding this programme has reopened for another year to support the development of high-quality arts activities in communities across Northern Ireland.

“Last year’s programme supported a diverse range of projects including the Charles Wood Festival of Music and Summer School in Armagh, the Armstrong Storytelling Trust in Ballymena, Carntogher Community Association in Mid Ulster, Accidental Theatre in Belfast, R-Space Gallery in Lisburn, Bluebell Arts Project in Derry/Londonderry and Portico of Ards in Portaferry.

“This year organisations have four weeks to submit their online application, and we would encourage projects across all art forms to apply, with a particular focus on quality and inclusivity.”

Key dates and application details

Applications for the programme must be submitted by 12 noon on 1 June 2026, giving organisations a limited window to prepare and submit proposals.

Successful applicants will be notified in July 2026, with funded projects required to take place within a defined period running from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027.

Full details of the programme, including eligibility criteria and application guidance, are available online at National Lottery Project Funding 2026-2027 | Arts Council NI

With substantial funding on offer and a clear focus on community impact, the programme is expected to play a key role in shaping the next wave of arts activity across Northern Ireland in the year ahead.

At a glance

• Grants of £10,001 to £75,000 available for arts projects

• Open to organisations across Northern Ireland

• Deadline for applications is 12 noon on 1 June 2026

• Projects must run between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027

• Focus on inclusivity, diversity and community engagement

• Strong encouragement for rural and underrepresented groups

• Decisions expected in July 2026