Individual Artists Digital Evolution Awards

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland welcomes applications from the widest possible range of individuals, representing all categories under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We particularly welcome applications by disabled artists and by artists from the generally unionist community as applications from both these demographics are currently under-represented across our programmes aimed at individuals. If you require British Sign Language (BSL) support with the introduction to this programme please see the video below, delivered by the University of Atypical:

Programme Objectives

• Upskilling NI artists in the use of new, emerging and immersive technology
• Creation of excellent Digital Art*

Programme Priorities

• Creation of digital arts
• Creating opportunities for audiences to experience digital and immersive arts
• Encouraging cross-sectoral collaboration

*What is Digital Art within the context of this programme?

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.

Eligible applicants must also:

• Live 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.

What you can apply for

Some examples of the type of project we are aiming to support through this scheme are detailed below - 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.

How to apply?

You must apply using our online system. We will not accept applications in hard copy or by email. 

• Online applications may be edited, saved and returned up to the closing date.
• 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 below.
• 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, Thursday 27 November 2025. 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.
• If you are d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent, University of Atypical can provide support with completing your application.
• Due to the time needed to match you with the best advisor, it is likely that advice sessions will not start before Monday 20 October 2025. Please contact University of Atypical as soon as possible to ensure sufficient time for the support process. Phone: 028 90239450; Email: [email protected]

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