For this programme digital art is artwork that is created exclusively in the digital space; it can either exist in the digital space or be translated into a physical object or tangible experience through technology. Work that exists only in the digital space can be artwork that is consumed online or offline; the latter having some form of installation in a venue.

This grant programme does not cover the simple digitisation of art (in any artform) or performance and must relate to the development of your artistic practice and digital capability. Filmed performances, audio recordings or video capture of material that would be intended for in-person performance is not suitable as the output of a project proposal, and applications applying for such output activity will be rejected as ineligible. Such filmed or recorded elements can be used as assets within a piece of digital art, for example within animation, virtual experiences, or app development.

Who can apply?
Eligible applicants to this scheme are as follows:

  • Individual artists of all artistic disciplines and all types of working practice.
  • Artists who are employees of statutory bodies (including Universities), undergraduates and postgraduates are eligible to apply but they must prove that their proposal is not properly the concern of their employer and/or that the proposal is not related to their academic study (see p.9 in guidance notes for more detail).
  • Partnership projects with creative industries freelancers or organisations are possible; however the individual artist must be the lead partner.

Eligible applicants must also be:

  • Resident in Northern Ireland
  • Have made a significant contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland for a minimum period of 1 year within the last 5 years
  • At least 18 years old and not in secondary education.

Who Cannot Apply?

  • Eligible applicants who received an Individual Artists Digital Evolution award in 2021/22
  • Applicants who have broken the conditions of any previous ACNI award within the previous 4 years (taken from the date of the letter of offer) and
  • Applicants who remain in breach of any previous letters of offer (regardless of the letter of offer date).

What you can apply for
Here are some examples of the type of project we are aiming to support through this scheme, this list is far from exhaustive.

  • Creation of a virtual environment or augmented reality environment; such as augmented reality visual arts or sound overlay on venues or geographical spaces.
  • Using technology, such as 3D rendering and printing, to create artwork digitally which can either exist digitally or be manufactured into 3D physical objects.
  • Using technology to translate data into artistic content; for example algorithms that create music or visual content from data input.
  • App development for the delivery of artistic content; this could include gamification or making an artistic experience for consumption on digital devises. (note: this does not include streaming of filmed / recorded performances)

If you are uncertain about the eligibility of a proposal, it is encouraged that you speak to ACNI’s Creative Industries Officer prior to making your application. Applicants should give careful consideration to the feasibility and timing of their activities given possible ongoing restrictions due to COVID-19.

How to apply?
You must apply using the online system. ACNI will not accept applications in hard copy or by email. Online applications may be edited, saved and returned up to the closing date.

Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that ACNI receive the application form and uploaded enclosures by the closing time and date.

Download Guidance notes here

The deadline for applications is Friday 30th September 2022 at 12pm
Decisions will be made by Friday 18th November 2022

Click here for more info and to apply.

You must submit all mandatory enclosures associated with the application at the same time as your application, ie. they must be uploaded to your online application prior to its submission. These enclosures are listed on the Attachments page within the online application and are detailed in the guidance notes.
Please ensure that you leave sufficient time to upload all documents to the system as there can be long delays as the closing deadline approaches and the system will shut down at 12noon precisely on the closing date, 30 September 2022. If your complete application is not fully uploaded when the system closes, with all the requested mandatory enclosures, your application will not be accepted.
If you submit your application by the closing deadline, you will receive an automated email advising that your application has been successfully submitted to the system. If you do not receive this email, your application has not been submitted.