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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice

Thursday 23rd December 2021 at 9am 0 Comments

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This page contains the latest guidance for the arts sector on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We will update this page as the situation develops.

Updated: 15 February 2022

On Monday 14 February 2022, Health Minister Robin Swann announced that all COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland will be replaced by guidance from February 15 2022.

Read the full statement: http://www.health-ni.gov.uk/news/minister-swann-announces-easing-covid-regulations

Updated: 23 December 2021

Additional legal restrictions and guidance have been introduced to slow down transmission, keep as many businesses and services open as possible, and protect against pressure on health services.

Indoor gatherings

The number of people permitted to attend an indoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, is determined by a risk assessment, carried out by the organiser or operator.

Indoor gatherings, in non-domestic settings, of 15 people or fewer, do not need a risk assessment.

The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:

a copy of the risk assessment

and

an account of the reasonable measures taken

It is important that indoor spaces are well ventilated at all times, by leaving doors and windows open. Frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, should be cleaned regularly.

Where possible, you should maintain social distancing, as well as good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.

Outdoor gatherings

To determine the maximum number of people permitted to attend an outdoor gathering, in a non-domestic setting, the organiser or operator must carry out a risk assessment.

Outdoor gatherings of 30 people or fewer do not need a risk assessment.

The organiser must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

A person responsible for organising a gathering must, if requested to do so by a relevant person, provide:

a copy of the risk assessment

and

an account of the reasonable measures taken

Where possible, you should maintain social distancing, as well as good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.

When travelling to large events you should walk, cycle or use private transport, shared only with members of your household where possible.

Indoor standing events

From 06:00 on 26 December indoor standing events will not be permitted.

Outdoor and indoor seated events (sporting and cultural)

You are strongly recommended to take a Rapid Lateral Flow test before attending an indoor or outdoor event or gathering. Lateral flow tests are free and provide a result within 30 minutes at home.

Until then existing arrangements are to be reinforced including Covid Certification checks with 100% checking arrangements in place where appropriate.

Venue operators should promote and encourage face coverings to be worn when entering and leaving a venue and for the duration of the event.

It is strongly recommended that all those present at an event wear a face covering at all times including staff, club officials, spectators and audiences.

Venue operators should ensure that attendees understand what they need to do in advance of attending an event and regularly remind attendees at the event of the need to fully comply with COVID mitigations including wear face coverings, good personal hygiene and limiting social interactions.

Venue operators must ensure they follow the current guidance and regulations for their hospitality offerings and in social club settings.

Those travelling to a sporting or cultural event should not share transport with anyone outside of their own household and should where possible travel in their own car, walk or cycle.

Other mitigations should be considered to reduce the risk of transmission including one way systems throughout venues, sufficient queuing arrangements to avoid congestion and track and trace arrangements.

Ticket purchase should be advance, use of cards and scanners are preferred and handling of cash or paper tickets should where possible be removed.

Good hygiene including hand sanitising is strongly recommended and venue operators should ensure sanitisation stations are widely available and regularly filled.

Entertainment, leisure activities and cultural attractions

From 06:00 on 26 December, the coronavirus regulations will prohibit nightclubs from opening and with the exception of weddings and civil partnerships, dancing will not be permitted in hospitality venues.

Outdoor and indoor visitor attractions are permitted to open and are subject to the requirements on gatherings to determine the maximum numbers permitted access.

You will be required by law to provide proof of COVID-19 status before entering a cinema, theatre, a conference, an exhibition or indoor premises being used for the purpose of a performance, recording or rehearsal.

More information on the COVID certification scheme and methods to prove your COVID-19 status can be found at the following link:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information on the COVID Certification Scheme

You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.

This includes, but is not limited to, museums, galleries, cinemas, libraries, amusement arcades, bowling alleys, indoor play areas, snooker and pool halls, theatres, concert halls and conference facilities. Face coverings can only be removed when eating, drinking or dancing.

Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Customer details will include the:

name and telephone number of visitors over the age of 16
date and time of arrival

The legal requirement to socially distance in indoor seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas has been removed, however it is still highly recommended, where possible.

The current regulations are available on the Department of Health website: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-protection-coronavirus-restrictions-regulations-northern-ireland-2021

For more information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidance and what they mean for you, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-and-guidance-what-they-mean-you

Updated: 1 October 2021

New relaxations on social distancing came into effect on 30 September. While these changes removed the requirement for social distancing in indoor visitor attractions, the Executive reminds sectors of the regulations remaining in law and recommending additional mitigations that should be put in place to limit the risk of transmission.

Your responsibility

It is your responsibility as an employer, business owner or manager of a premise to ensure that you are complying with the current regulations and guidance in place.

The current regulations are available on the Department of Health website at https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/health-protection-coronavirus-restrictions-regulations-northern-ireland-2021

Keep in mind that some of the restrictions are in law through regulation, while others are guidance. These remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and we ask that you continue to protect your customers and your employees by following public health advice.

If you fail to comply with the regulations without reasonable excuse, you are committing an offence. For some offences you may be given a fixed penalty or a fine on summary prosecution.

Current COVID-19 regulations and guidance:what they mean for indoor seated venues

Indoor seated venues must:

Require wearing of face coverings;
Record visitor and attendee information; and
Perform a risk assessment and produce it if requested

Audiences for indoor events must be seated and guests must remain seated, (unless using facilities). Dancing is not permitted for audience members.

Face coverings must be worn when seated and when moving about the venue.

Live music events (indoor and outdoor), without restriction to volume levels, must be effectively controlled and managed.

Venues are required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme. Customer details will include the:

name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16; and
date and time of their visit

Recommended mitigations

Indoor attractions and venues must take reasonable measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, this includes:

limiting entry to those either fully vaccinated or with a negative LFT or a positive PCR in previous 30-180 days
hand sanitiser stations
use of protective screens
good ventilation
use of one way systems (if possible)
minimising close face to face contact
regular cleaning especially for high contact areas like card machines

Current regulations do not require social distancing in indoor seated venues or outdoor venues. However, social distancing remains strongly advised where possible, and should be considered alongside other risk mitigations to limit the risk of transmission.

Areas of indoor seated venues where food or drink is sold or provided come under hospitality regulations. In these areas social distancing of 1m continues to be a legal requirement.

Risk mitigations should be detailed in your risk assessments.

Proof of COVID status

Premises are advised to limit entry to those either fully vaccinated or with a negative LFT or a positive PCR in previous 30-180 days.

While the Executive is currently considering options on the use of domestic certification there are ways to check COVID Status as outlined below.

Fully vaccinated

Photographic identification for example a drivers licence or passport to verify identity and match evidence of vaccination; AND
COVID-19 Immunisation record card – should include name of vaccine, batch number and date given; OR
COVID-19 Certificate for those who have travelled or plan to travel in the next 3 months; OR
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination confirmation – letter showing participation in Vaccine trial and being fully vaccinated

Negative Lateral Flow Test

Photographic identification for example a drivers licence or passport to verify identity and match evidence of test result; AND
Text proof of a negative result being reported to the NHS – date and result should be clearly visible and within 24 hours prior to attendance at the venue.

Positive PCR in previous 30-180 days

Photographic identification for example a drivers licence or passport to verify identity and match evidence of vaccination; AND
Email or text proof of a positive test result – date and test result should be clearly visible and should be at least 30 days prior to entry to the venue but no more than 180 days prior

Find out more about COVID-19 Testing, including how to get tested on nidirect at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-testing

Workforce testing for COVID-19 https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-workplace-covid-19-testing

Current COVID-19 regulations and guidance:what they mean for indoor visitor attractions

Indoor visitor attractions must:

Require wearing of face coverings;
Record visitor and attendee information; and
Perform a risk assessment and produce it if requested

Venues are required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme. Customer details will include the:

name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16; and
date and time of their visit

Recommended mitigations

Indoor attractions and venues must take reasonable measures to help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, this includes:

hand sanitiser stations
use of protective screens
good ventilation
use of one way systems (if possible)
minimising close face to face contact
regular cleaning especially for high contact areas like card machines

Current regulations do not require social distancing in indoor visitor attractions or outdoor venues. However, social distancing remains strongly advised where possible, and should be considered alongside other risk mitigations to limit the risk of transmission.

Areas of indoor visitor attractions which sell or provide food or drink come under the hospitality regulations. In these areas social distancing of 1m continues to be a legal requirement.

Risk mitigations should be detailed in your risk assessments.

Useful links

HSE NI guidance on Ventilation and COVID-19
https://www.hseni.gov.uk/articles/ventilation-and-covid-19
Ventilation in the workplace
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-ventilation-workplace
Workforce testing for COVID-19
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/coronavirus-workplace-covid-19-testing
COVID-19 Compliance and Penalties
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/

Updated: 28 September 2021

Statement on Executive decisions - social distancing

The Executive has considered the existing regulations and has agreed to remove the legal requirement to socially distance in retail and indoor visitor attractions.

The Executive has also decided to remove the requirement to socially distance in indoor seated venues such as theatres, concert halls and cinemas. They advise that additional mitigating measures are utilised, including proof of being fully vaccinated, or proof of a negative lateral flow rapid test, or proof of natural immunity from a positive PCR test undertaken in the previous 30-180 days.

Find out more: https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/news/statement-executive-decisions-social-distancing

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has welcomed the NI Executive's decision to remove the legal requirement to socially distance in indoor visitor attractions.

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council said,

"The Arts Council of Northern Ireland welcomes the announcement that social distancing restrictions are to be lifted. This is such an important step forward and will enable our arts organisations and arts venues to operate at full capacity again. This really is a very positive sign that the wider arts and culture sectors in Northern Ireland are now on the journey to recovery at last. Indeed I know all those working in and around the arts sector will continue to enact every safety measure needed to welcome back audiences, they have been much missed."

Updated: 2nd August 2021

Letter from Deirdre Hargey MLA, Minister for Communities:

Social Distancing at Outdoor Events and Gatherings

The Executive announced a number of changes to the current Covid-19 restrictions on 29 July. These included a number of changes to the guidance on social distancing at outdoor gatherings which will have implications for those planning outdoor arts events and festivals.

The Executive has therefore decided that:

For outdoor venues, the guidance will continue to note the health benefits of 2 metres social distancing;

The guidance will further advise that social distancing requirements are strongly advised but are not a requirement; and

Where possible, those organising events and venue operators, should maintain a minimum of 1 metre social distancing and ideally 2 metres.

It is important to note that the Executive remains concerned about the spread of the virus and its transmissibility.

Event organisers and venue operators should continue to consider appropriate mitigations that will help reduce the risk of the virus spreading at large gatherings as part of the risk assessment process.

The Executive has also announced a number of changes to the arrangements relating to international travel. Again given the fluid situation, it is essential that those involved in planning events that require inbound or outbound international travel keep up to date with the travel regulations.

In recent days, my Department has received a number of travel exemption requests in respect of the current Covid regulations for upcoming events and I fully expect that other exemption requests will materialise over the next period. I would ask that event organisers submit any requests for travel exemption well in advance of when travel arrangements need to be confirmed.

I can confirm that officials are committed to providing assistance where they can but the onus remains on those involved in organising events to keep themselves fully informed of the current guidance and to have contingency plans in place given that the situation remains fluid and uncertain.

The latest public health advice and updated regulations continue to be available on NI Direct.

I trust this information is helpful.

Is mise le meas,

Deirdre Hargey MLA

Minister for Communities

Updated: 26 July 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

The Northern Ireland Executive agreed on 26th July that theatres and indoor concert settings can reopen to audiences from 6pm on Tuesday 27th July. Live music will be permitted for rehearsals and performances with no restriction to background ambient levels of volume. Audience members must purchase tickets in advance, must have allocated seating and social distancing of 1m will be required.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Arts Council NI guidance on safe reopening of performance venues: http://www.artscouncil-ni.org/images/uploads/publications-documents/In-the-Bubble-of-Our-Making-Reopening-the-Arts-in-Northern-Ireland-July-2020.pdf

Updated: 23July 2021

Risk assessment template

The NI Executive has published updated guidance and a risk assessment template for events and gatherings. Under current coronavirus restrictions, if you're organising or operating an indoor gathering of more than 15 people or outdoor gathering of more than 30 people you must carry out a risk assessment. You must also take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Find out more visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-risk-assessments-gatherings-and-events-guidance

Updated: 9 July 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

An indicative date of 26 July has been set for the reopening of theatres and indoor seated venues for performances, the return of conferences and exhibitions and the return of live music indoors with no restrictions on sound levels.

Entry to theatre, concerts and other types of performances will be by ticket only, bought in advance.

Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and guests must stay seated (unless using facilities). Social distancing of one metre required.

Dancing is not permitted for audience members.

The indicative date of 26 July is subject to review on 22 July.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 2 July 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

Outdoor and indoor visitor attractions are permitted to open (theatres and concert halls are not included) and are subject to the requirements on gatherings to determine the maximum numbers permitted access.

You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.

Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Customer details will include the:

name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16
date and time

An indoor attraction including an amusement arcade, a bingo hall, a museum, a gallery or a cinema must take reasonable measures to ensure that social distancing measures are maintained at all times to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

From 5 July
From 5 July live music will be permitted at outdoor events, without restriction to volume.

Social distancing is advised for all outdoor events and COVID-19 testing should be considered in advance of large events.

Live music will also be permitted in licensed and unlicensed premises. Music must be at ambient levels that permit normal conversation and with suitable mitigations in place.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 18 June 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

Entertainment, leisure activities and cultural attractions

You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.

Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Customer details will include the:

name and telephone number of each visitor over the age of 16
date and time

Indicative date
An indicative date of 5 July has been set for the return of audiences in theatres, concert halls and other venues, as well as the return of conferences and exhibitions.
Live music will be permitted, without restriction to volume, for rehearsal, recording or performance purposes in concert venues, theatres and other indoor venues which, for the duration of the rehearsal, recording or performance are set aside for that purpose.

Live music events must be effectively controlled and managed. If the event is taking place in a venue that is part of larger premises (such as a hotel) it must be sufficiently isolated to ensure the volume of music in the venue does not breach ambient levels in other parts of the premises. Dancing is not permitted for audience members.
Entry to performances will be by ticket only, purchased in advance.

Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and guests must remain seated, (unless using facilities).

A maximum of six people can be seated together. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.

An indicative date of 5 July has also been set to allow live music and dancing at outdoor events, without restriction to volume.

Social distancing at a minimum of one metre will be required for live music-related activity in indoor seated venues and will be advised for all outdoor events.

The indicative date of 5 July is subject to review on 1 July.

Updated: 14 June 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.

Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Indicative date
An indicative date of 21 June has been set for the return of audiences in theatres, concert halls and other venues, as well as the return of conferences and exhibitions.
Live music will be permitted, without restriction to volume, for rehearsal, recording or performance purposes in concert venues, theatres and other indoor venues which, for the duration of the rehearsal, recording or performance are set aside for that purpose.

Audiences for indoor events must have allocated seating and guests must remain seated, (unless using facilities).

A maximum of six people can be seated together. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total.

An indicative date of 21 June has also been set to allow live music and dancing at outdoor events, without restriction to volume.

Social distancing at a minimum of one metre will be required for live music-related activity in indoor seated venues and will be advised for all outdoor events.
The indicative date of 21 June is subject to review on 17 June.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 14 May 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

An indicative date of 24 May has been set for the reopening of indoor visitor and cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries and cinemas (music venues are not included). Libraries will also be permitted to fully reopen.

You must wear a face covering when you go to any indoor public space, unless exempt.

Venues will be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme.

Venues must have carried out a risk assessment and take all reasonable measures to limit the risk of transmission of the coronavirus.

An indicative date of 21 June has been set for the return of audiences in theatres, concert halls and other venues, as well as the return of conferences and exhibitions.

The indicative date of 24 May is subject to review on 20 May.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 16 April 2021

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

Currently:

Leisure and entertainment venues, including theatres, concert halls, cinemas, indoor museums, galleries, visitor and other cultural attractions are not permitted to open.
Outdoor visitor attractions are not permitted to open.
Theatres and concert halls are permitted to open for rehearsals or a live recording without an audience.

From 23 April:

Outdoor visitor attractions and activity centres may reopen. This includes drive-in cinemas and performances.
Outdoor static band practice/rehearsal permitted

From 24 May (Indicative date only):

Indoor visitor and cultural attractions can reopen - subject to review.

The current regulations will be reviewed on 13 May 2021.

For more information on the regulations, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

A summary guide outlining what the coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protection regulations mean for you is available to view from https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/Restrictions-April-May-2021.pdf

Updated: 21 December 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations guidance

Following an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, additional restrictions will be introduced for people in Northern Ireland on 26 December. These new restrictions are being put in place to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Entertainment and cultural attractions
Leisure and entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, indoor museums, galleries, visitor and other cultural attractions are not permitted to open.

Outdoor visitor attractions are not permitted to open, along with drive-in events.

Community halls are allowed to remain open, but must adhere to current guidelines.

Theatres and concert halls are permitted to open for rehearsals or a live recording without an audience.

For more information on restrictions, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 11 December 2020

From Friday 11th December, singing groups and bands in Northern Ireland are permitted to rehearse with others and perform outdoors.

This relaxation of restrictions by the NI Executive brings Northern Ireland into line with current practice in England.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is revising its guidance on Reopening the Arts in Northern Ireland (pp.29-30), as follows:

The core points when playing brass/wind would be the same as for any other instrument and would include:

Observing social distancing at all times whilst playing.
Group size would be governed by the regulations in place at the time.
For professionals (i.e. for work purposes) where social distancing is not possible, using fixed teams which are positioned socially distanced from any other fixed team or anyone else. Note that this fixed team approach is not recommended in non-professional environments unless all the members of the fixed team are part of the same household or support bubble. It is also unlikely that this fixed team approach will be feasible where professional performers work with more than one group or organisation simultaneously.
Using back-to-back or side-to-side positioning (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible.
Playing outdoors wherever possible.
If playing indoors, limiting the numbers to account for ventilation of the space and the ability to social distance.
Considering using screens or barriers in addition to social distancing.

For singing, professional and non-professional, the guidance would adopt the suggested principles of safer singing, the core points of which would be:

people with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, or who are known to have been in recent contact with others who have COVID-19, do not participate in singing or attend singing events.
Singing takes place only in larger well-ventilated spaces, or outdoors.
Performance or rehearsal is for limited periods of time at a reduced level of loudness, using microphones for amplification if available.
Maximum group size would be governed by the regulations in place at the time and limited numbers of people sing together.
Singers are spaced at least 2 metres apart in all directions

Updated: 2 December 2020

Ní Chuilín allocates further funding for individuals in the arts and creative economy

Individuals who work across the arts and wider creative economy are set to benefit from a further £3.25million of funding, Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced.

Ní Chuilín allocates further funding for individuals in the arts and creative economyNí Chuilín allocates further funding for individuals in the arts and creative economy
At a meeting with the sector this afternoon, the Minister outlined a further round of the Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme (IERP) will open for applications on December 17.

Applicants experiencing financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 will be able to apply for support of up to £5,000 - or £7,500 for disabled individuals with support costs.

This is the third emergency programme targeted directly at individuals and will be delivered by Arts Council NI on behalf of the Department. Information on eligibility and guidance is now available from http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/scheme/individuals-emergency-resilience-programme-2

Read the full news release here

Updated: 30th November 2020

D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21

The D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21, which is now open for applications, is managed by the University of Atypical on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities. The Fund aims to provide much-needed financial support to D/deaf and disabled artists at a time when their potential to generate income has been seriously impacted by the closure of art galleries, theatres, music venues and other creative outlets due to Covid-19.

Through the University of Atypical's support, disabled/deaf artists have developed unique artwork of extremely high artistic quality. Many artists have gone on to attract other types of funding, some to the level where international recognition has been achieved.

D/deaf and disabled Artists can apply for awards of £2,000.
Advice clinics available until 11th December.

Application deadline: Friday 18th December at 4pm.

Updated: 11th November 2020

Lyric Theatre, Crescent Arts Centre, Ulster Orchestra and the MAC set to receive Funding Lifeline

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has confirmed that four flagship arts organisations have been offered additional funding support totalling almost £620,000.

Money has been awarded to The Lyric Theatre, the MAC, Crescent Arts Centre and the Ulster Orchestra to help them prepare and plan for reopening, following closures as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The funding, which will be administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is part of a range of measures supported by COVID emergency funding from the Department for Communities to support the arts, culture, heritage and language sectors, which have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

Read the full news release here

Updated: 9th November 2020

Communities Minister announces almost £1.5million funding towards Renewal Projects

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced a further £1.465 million funding stream for arts, culture and heritage Renewal projects. This funding forms part of the £29 million Covid-19 Culture, Languages, Arts and Heritage Support Programme 2020/2021. The funding includes:

£15,000 to the Arts Council to develop digital skills and knowledge of artists with disabilities.
£500,000 to NI Screen to deliver through their Creative Learning Centres digital film archive projects, a range of skills development projects and support to the Amma Centre, Cinemagic and local film festivals.

Read the full news release here

Updated: 6th November 2020

Funding to help musicians purchase new instruments announced

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is offering a number of funding opportunities under its Musical Instruments Scheme. Thanks to capital investment of £300,000 from the Department for Communities three funding programmes have opened offering support for artists and groups to purchase instruments up until March 2021.

The scheme is good news for marching bands, non-professional and professional performing groups, community groups, professional musicians and schools that may be eligible to apply to purchase instruments and music-making equipment. The Musical Instruments Scheme is designed to increase the quality of music-making in Northern Ireland and to ensure as many groups and individuals as possible have an opportunity to purchase new instruments.

Read the full news release here

Arts Council awards £900,958 emergency funding to 62 cultural organisations across Northern Ireland

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has awarded, on behalf of the Department for Communities, £900,958 emergency financial support to 62 arts and cultural organisations to help them recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through the Organisational Emergency Programme (OEP), 62 organisations are set to benefit from grants of up to £25,000 each to help them respond to the immediate impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, including helping them to continue producing creative work, assist with operational costs and to help plan for recovery in the long-term.

The OEP provides much-needed financial support, a lifeline to arts organisations, at a time when essential elements of the arts sector have been decimated due to venue and gallery closures, festival and event cancellations and the disappearance of live audiences. This is the second round of the OEP which to date has supported 212 organisations with a total of £2,850,071 emergency funding.

Read the full news release here

Updated: 3rd November 2020

New £2m Community Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund now open

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has announced a new £2 million fund for community based culture, arts and heritage projects in response to Covid-19.

The Community Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund will be distributed by the Community Foundation NI and will prioritise projects which support people with disabilities and those who are vulnerable.

This forms part of the overall £29m Executive funding for the Department for Communities’ Covid-19 Culture, Languages, Arts and Heritage Support Programme.

This new £2m Community Arts, Culture and Heritage Fund is open to all community organisations which can deliver new projects as part of the programme’s renewal strand. Any constituted organisation can apply and their primary purpose need not be related to arts or heritage. Groups can apply for awards from £2,000 to £20,000 for expenditure up to 31 March 2021 for a wide range of projects related to culture, arts, creativity and heritage.

For information and application details visit https://communityfoundationni.org/grants/the-arts-culture-and-heritage-challenge-fund/

Read the full news release here

Updated: 28th October 2020

£7.75m programme to support arts and cultural organisations

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland to distribute grants on behalf of Department for Communities.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland will deliver, on behalf of the Department for Communities, a £7.75m programme of support, aimed at helping arts and cultural sector recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through the Stability and Renewal Programme for Organisations, grants of up to £500,000 will be available to organisations working in the arts and cultural sector to help them respond to the immediate impacts of the Covid-19 crisis, including help with re-opening, adapting and stabilising their organisations in the long-term

The Stability and Renewal Programme is part of the £29 million Executive allocation that was made to DfC to support the arts, culture, heritage and language sectors which have been severely impacted by Covid-19.

Read the full news release here

Updated: 26th October 2020

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has given the green light for financial support to be released this week to support the creative and heritage sectors.

The Covid support funding will be distributed by Arts Council NI (ACNI), and partner bodies in the heritage and indigenous language sectors.

Full details of the £15.75m will be announced on Wednesday by the Department’s delivery partners:

£7.75m will be made available to arts organisations through the Stability and Renewal Programme for Organisations, administered by ACNI
£5.5m is being provided for a Heritage Recovery Fund
£2.5m will be shared among the Irish Language, Ulster Scots and Sign Language sectors

The aim is to stabilise these sectors and preserve the vibrancy and important benefits delivered by organisations and individuals working in culture, languages, arts and heritage.

Read the full news release here

Updated: 23rd October 2020

European Investment Bank Institute 2021 Artists Development Programme

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Institute is looking for emerging European artists and collectives to join the 2020 edition of its Artists Development Programme (ADP), a 6-8 weeks long residency programme in Luxembourg, under the mentorship of renowned Finnish photographer Jorma Puranen.

The EIB launched two calls for applications targeting visual artists (EU nationals, aged less than 35) with a thematic focus on:

APPLY HERE

The deadline for applying is 10 January 2021 at midnight (GMT+1).
For more information about the programme visit https://institute.eib.org/whatwedo/arts/artists-residencies/

Updated: 20th October 2020

Arts Council announces £3.8m emergency funding to support 1089 individuals in the Creative Economy

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland on behalf of DfC and in collaboration with Future Screens NI, has announced details of 1089 individuals, working in the Creative Economy, who are set to benefit from £3,852,000 of emergency funding as part of part of the Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme (IERP).

More than £3m of this funding is coming from the £29m Executive allocation that was made to the Department for Communities to support the arts, culture, heritage and language sectors which have been severely impacted by Covid-19.

The IERP is designed to support those working in the Creative Economy including freelancers, musicians, actors, artists and craft workers during the COVID-19 crisis. The IERP, worth £3,752,000 from the Department for Communities and £100,000 from Future Screens NI, offered individuals the opportunity to apply for grants of £1,200, £3,000 or £5,000 each.

Read the full news release here.

Updated: 19th October 2020

Individual artists first to benefit from £29m funding package

Arts Council Chief Executive, Roisin McDonough, welcomes today’s news of extra funding to support individuals working in the creative sectors and thanks the Minister for Communities and her Department.

Thanks to today’s announcement of an extra £3m of public funding for individuals, we are now able to provide IERP funding of £3,852,000 to all eligible applicants, reaching 1,089 people within these sectors and offer them the support to develop new skills and create new work. Offers of IERP awards will be communicated this week.

Read the full news release here

Under the new Health Protection Regulations approved by the NI Assembly which came into force on Friday 16th October, Businesses subject to immediate closure include:

‘museums and galleries’;
‘cinemas (but not cinemas at which visitors remain in a vehicle)’; and
‘indoor visitor attractions’.

‘Dance’ has been specifically added to the list of activities which are restricted with immediate effect during the current restriction phase. The new regulations define a sporting event as: “Sporting event” means a gathering for the purpose of exercise, competitive sport, recreational sport or sport training, and “dance of any type shall be deemed to be a form of exercise or sport for the purposes of this schedule”.

The restrictions that now apply as a result of the regulations are set out below:

Restrictions on sporting events
(1) A person shall not organise, operate or participate in an indoor or outdoor sporting event.
(2) Sub-paragraph (1) shall not prohibit or prevent a person from organising, operating or participating in—
(a) an indoor sporting event if all participants are elite athletes;
(b) an indoor sporting event if the participants are one individual and one coach or trainer and there is no contact between participants who are not members of the same household;
(c) an outdoor sporting event, provided all participants are elite athletes; or
(d) an outdoor sporting event if there is no contact between participants who are not members of the same household, provided that the gathering consists of no more than 15 persons.

For more information on restrictions, visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-regulations-guidance-what-restrictions-mean-you

Updated: 12th October 2020

New Conversations 2020

UK-Canada artistic partners are invited to apply for funding of up to £3,500 GBP / $6,000 CAD to explore how they can develop new creative ideas, exchange knowledge and practice without meeting in person. The fund is open to Canada and UK-based individual artists, collectives, independent companies and organizations of theatre and dance. Cross art form collaborations are also welcomed. Deadline: 27 November 2020. http://theatre.farnhammaltings.com/portfolio/new-conversations/

Open Call for Commissions for Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is planning the next edition of its annual festival of dance and movement, which will run 20th - 27th February 2021. As part of the programme, the company will award three small commissions for works that are 'adaptable' to Covid-19 circumstances and restrictions. The work should be created on the island of Ireland and creation and performance of it should not involve any international travel which might put the project at risk should restrictions apply. https://echoechodance.wordpress.com/2020/10/06/open-call-for-commissions-for-echo-echo-festival-of-dance-and-movement-february-20th-27th-2021-derry/

Application deadline: Friday 23rd October.

Updated: 29th September 2020

Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund
For artists and freelancers in Northern Ireland in partnership with a-n The Artists Information Company. The Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund is supported by the Freelands Foundation, as part of a landmark commitment of £3m towards emergency funds for artists and freelance creative practitioners across the UK affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Funds will be available for Northern Ireland based practitioners. Applications opened on Friday 25th September 2020.

Who can apply: Freelance creative practitioners based in Northern Ireland who work in the visual arts and are experiencing severe financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
What: Grants of £1,500 – £2,500
Deadline for applications: Applications are accepted from 2:00pm on Friday 25th September 2020 and decisions will be made on a monthly basis. You can apply at any time. Applicants will be informed of decisions within approximately 5-6 weeks of submitting an application. We encourage applicants to make a submission early due to the limited funds available.

Enquiries: emergencyfund@a-n.co.uk
https://www.a-n.co.uk/about/freelands-foundation-emergency-fund-2/

Updated: 24th September 2020

Allocation of funding to arts and culture

The Arts Council welcomes news from the NI Executive that £29m has been allocated to help the arts and cultural sectors in Northern Ireland endure the Covid-19 pandemic.
There have been devastating financial consequences for all working in and around the arts because of venue closures, the restrictions of social distancing placed on audiences and staff, and the massive loss of earned income since lock-down began.

We are heartened to see that the majority of the funding announced today is aimed at helping our core arts and cultural organisations, as well as artists and creative practitioners, get through this crisis to year-end, in the hope we can press a reset button and open our venues, festivals and cultural activities safely to the public as quickly as possible.

Read full news release here

Updated: 21st September 2020

The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund, in partnership with Arts & Business Northern Ireland, was launched today, 21 September. The Fund will distribute a total of £840,000 between 2020 and 2022, and is designed to support artists and arts projects across the island of Ireland. Today’s announcement brings the Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together community investment to €3million.

The Arts Fund will support or commission artists and arts organisations to develop arts projects, enhancing the wellbeing of the participants, audiences and communities involved. All art forms are eligible and the aim is for the projects to benefit a range of audiences. The Fund will also support arts projects that have been adapted due to COVID-19, or are inspired by / respond to COVID-19.

Applicants can request funds between c. £2,500 – £8,400, and average grants will be £4,200, with maximum grants of £8,400. Arts projects with larger budgets that have secured funds elsewhere are encouraged to apply. With each grant round, the Fund aims to provide funding to an arts project in each county on the island of Ireland.

Closing date for the first round of applications is Wednesday, 4 November at 5pm. The second round will open in April 2021. Go to www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland for information on the application process and to complete the online application form.

Updated: 21st September 2020

£25 million Weston Culture Fund to open on 5th October.

The Garfield Weston Foundation is finalising details of a one-off Weston Culture Fund, to launch on 5th October. This £25 million fund will support mid- to large-scale cultural organisations in the UK to restart work, re-engage with audiences, adapt to changed circumstances and generate revenue. The fund is specifically for charitable organisations with a pre-Covid regular annual income of £500,000 or greater; smaller organisations will be able to apply for the Foundation's regular grants programme via its website as usual. Closing date for applications will be 9th November and decisions will be announced by the end of January 2021.

Further details: https://garfieldweston.org/new-weston-culture-fund-coming-soon/

Updated: 10th September 2020

£500,000 fund to support the safe re-opening of the arts and culture sectors

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland today (Thursday 10th September 2020) opened the Health and Safety Capital Programme, a new fund, worth £500,000, designed to support arts and culture organisations as they prepare to re-open after the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Health & Safety Capital Programme is open for online applications and will close at 4pm on October 1st 2020. To be eligible, organisations must demonstrate the purpose of the requested equipment or minor works to be clearly focused on the arts. For further information on eligibility, guidance notes and to apply, please visit http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/scheme/health-and-safety-capital-programme

Read the full news release here

Updated: 3rd September 2020

Arts Council re-opens Organisations Emergency Programme for applications

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened the Organisations Emergency Programme (OEP) in a second call to arts and cultural organisations across Northern Ireland.

The fund allows those organisations which did not receive support in the first call made in June, to apply for grants of up to £25,000 each. It is hoped this support may help alleviate the significant financial pressures they are facing as result of Covid-19, while preparing to re-open safely and contribute successfully to the economy.

The Organisations Emergency Programme is one element of the wider £5.5 m Creative Support fund supported by the Minister, the Department for Communities and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland; the priority is to protect the arts and wider cultural sectors from the impact of the current pandemic.

Closing date for applications is 4pm on Thursday 17th September 2020. Further information at http://artscouncil-ni.org/funding/scheme/organisations-emergency-programme