The purpose of the Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) is to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities while recognising some specific issues they face.

The primary theme of REAP is combatting isolation and loneliness and promoting social inclusion. The recent pandemic adversely affected many lives as families and friends were separated for sustained periods of time, resulting in a negative impact on mental health and well-being.  This was felt deeply in rural communities, characterised by smaller and more dispersed populations, where isolation can be more acute than in towns and urban areas.

There are a number of ways to differentiate between loneliness and social isolation: 

• Loneliness can affect any age group; it is the subjective, unpleasant and distressing phenomenon stemming from a difference between an individual’s desired and achieved level of social relationships.

• Social isolation is a forced isolation from normal social networks caused by loss of mobility or deteriorating health.

The impact that loneliness and social isolation can have on the physical, mental and social health of isolated older people is well documented. The Campaign to End Loneliness (opens in a new tab) points to research which shows that lacking social connections is as damaging to health as smoking. Lonely individuals are more likely to visit their GP, use more medication and have a higher incidence of falls. They are also more likely to enter residential or nursing care earlier.

Participating in the arts, and coming together as communities, can make a vital contribution to improving health and wellbeing, building confidence and integrating communities. The Arts Council has worked with local authority community development and arts officers to ensure that information on REAP is available and that this public funding is as widely distributed as possible.

Groups can apply for one-off projects or for a programme of events.  Projects do not have to be new - existing, successful programmes which meet the strategic themes of REAP, are also eligible for support.

While engagement must be targeted at rural communities as defined here, Local Authorities and other groups based in urban areas may apply to fund programmes delivered in rural communities. The definition of rural is outlined in Appendix 1 at the end of these guidance notes, page 12, and is taken from the NISRA review of statistical classification and delineation of settlements in March 2015 (opens in a new tab)

Applications from single organisations are permissible but should demonstrate partnership working. Consortium applications demonstrating partnership working will be prioritised. Partnerships might include sector providers such as rural development organisations, older people’s providers and agencies, arts organisations or Local Authorities. See the Arts Council’s REAP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for examples of good partnership working.

For partnership/consortium applications, a single organisation must be the lead applicant, that is, the group in whose name the application is submitted, to whom the grant will be awarded and who will be accountable for delivering the project and reporting on it to ACNI. You must clearly identify in the application form the organisation(s) you are partnering with.

How much can you apply for?

You can apply for an award between £500 and £10,000 for a project.

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.
• All mandatory enclosures associated with your application, must be uploaded to your online application before it is submitted. 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 may be delays as the closing deadline approaches. Please note that the system will shut down at 12 noon precisely on the closing date, July 3rd 2023.
• Your project can last a maximum of 12 months from receipt of your funding.
• If your complete application with enclosures is not fully uploaded when the system closes, 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 automated email, your application has not been submitted.

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