The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is now inviting applications to its National Lottery Project Funding Programme. The annual programme is designed to support organisations to develop and deliver future arts projects.

Successful applicants will create arts projects which contribute to the growth of arts in the community for new and existing audiences and which reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland’s society and culture.

The minimum grant available under this programme is normally £10,001 and the maximum grant available will be £50,000. Last year awards were presented to organisations working across all areas of the arts including, drama, dance, community arts, literature and music.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“The National Lottery is playing a critical role in supporting people, projects and communities during these challenging times and thanks to money raised for good causes from National Lottery players, the Arts Council is able to open this fund to support high quality arts programming right across Northern Ireland.

“ACNI encourages applications from under-represented groups, including those from black and ethnic minority (BAME) communities and projects that are pertinent to those communities.”

Only projects that take place between 9 July 2021 and 30 June 2022 are eligible for the scheme.  Applicants will need to find a minimum of 10% partnership funding from non-lottery, non-Arts Council sources. For statutory bodies the minimum partnership funding needed is 50% of the costs.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon, Tuesday 1st June, 2021. Applicants are advised to consult the programme Guidance Notes, Introduction Notes and Commitment statements before submitting their application. You must apply using the Arts Council’s online system. The Arts Council will not accept applications in hard copy or by email.

Full details of the programme, eligibility and what you can apply for can be found on the Project Funding Programme webpage at: http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/scheme/lottery-project-funding-2021-2022