Arts Council of Northern Ireland

ACNI funds a broad spectrum of arts activity including theatre, literature, visual arts, music, dance, festivals, community projects, digital innovation and skills development. Programmes support core costs, project delivery, research, training, equipment, salaries, events and small capital works. The council also funds work in mental health, environment, children and youth, older people and disability through its National Lottery Project Funding and Rural Engagement Arts Programme. Most activity must take place in Northern Ireland, though the Artists International Development Fund supports early-stage international opportunities for Northern Ireland-based artists and organisations. Rural engagement is a specific focus, addressing the needs of local rural communities.

Eligible applicants include registered charities, community groups, social enterprises, companies limited by guarantee, unincorporated associations and schools based in Northern Ireland. Individual artists based in or from Northern Ireland working at a professional level may apply through dedicated programmes for individuals. Beneficiaries include the general public, children, young people, older people, disabled people, ethnic minority communities and rural communities. Some programmes exclude full-time students, individuals under 18, and faith groups. The Annual Funding Programme requires new applicants to speak with an ACNI arts officer before applying.

ACNI does not fund fundraising events, activities that duplicate existing provision, costs already covered by the council or other funders, or contracts entered before a decision is made. Film or video production within the remit of Northern Ireland Screen is excluded. For rural-focused programmes, travel to events outside Northern Ireland (except border communities), musical instruments, and board or committee member payments are not supported. Individual programmes exclude full-time students and those under 18.

ACNI offers a mix of project-based and core-cost grants, with some programmes requiring match funding from non-ACNI, non-National Lottery sources. The council accepts unsolicited applications. Support is available for research, training, equipment, salaries and small capital works alongside project delivery. The Artists International Development Fund provides specific support for early-stage international development. Some programmes are one-off grants, while others support ongoing organisational costs.