Calling All Creatives: Arts Council of Northern Ireland Launches Support Programme for Individual Artists

Are you an artist living in Northern Ireland? Whether you’re a painter, writer, musician, performer, or creator of any kind, there’s great news for you!

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has just opened applications for its Support for Individual Artists Programme—a funding opportunity designed to help artists create new work, grow their skills, and explore bold, creative ideas. Grants range from £3,000 to £10,000, and applications are now open.

What’s This About?

This programme is all about giving artists the time, space, and support to bring their creative visions to life. Whether you're making visual art, writing a book, producing music, or trying something experimental, this funding is here to help.

Some examples of what you can do with the grant include:

1. Creating new paintings, sculptures, or street art

2. Writing a novel, poetry collection, or play

3. Developing a music album or original composition

4. Building a live performance, circus act, or digital experience

5. Taking part in an artist residency or mentorship

6. Learning new techniques or boosting your professional skills

You can apply as an individual or as part of a collaborative project (just submit one application with a lead applicant).

What Can the Money Cover?

The grant can cover a wide range of costs, such as:

Materials and studio hire

Your own time spent working on the project

Travel and residency expenses

Venue, production, and technical costs

Equipment (limited to 50% of the total budget – with caps for laptops/tablets)

Just remember: you can’t use the money for academic coursework, fashion/clothing design, most film/TV projects (unless it’s experimental), or living expenses.

Who Can Apply?

You must:

Live in Northern Ireland

Be 18 or older

Have been involved in the NI arts scene for at least 1 year in the last 5 years

Not be in secondary school

Not have received certain previous grants from the Arts Council in 2023/24 or 2024/25

Emerging artists are especially encouraged to apply, even if they’re just starting out.

Are you a student or academic? You can still apply—just make sure your project is separate from your studies, and you’ll need a letter from your department head to confirm this.

Important Dates

Your project must happen between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. Any project that starts before the funding decision is made will not be supported.

How to Apply

Ready to bring your idea to life? Head over to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s website for full details and to apply.

This is your chance to push boundaries, experiment, and make something amazing—don’t miss it!