Arts Council of Northern Ireland The National Lottery

Funding for Organisations

We are the main support for artists and arts organisations, offering a broad range of funding opportunities through our Exchequer and National Lottery funds.

Learn More about Funding for Organisations
Orchestra perform in vast auditorium against backdrop projection of painting of face of Jesus Christ
Conor Mitchell's MASS, Belfast Ensemble, Outburst Arts and Ulster Orchestra at Outburst Queer Arts Festival. Photo: Neil Harrison

This funding helps organisations to develop ideas, projects and new work, and deliver activity with partners.

Our Open Programmes

We encourage applicants to read all the guidance notes provided before submitting an application for funding. It is important to check you are using the most up-to-date funding application form.

Guidance notes or Applications forms downloaded on dates before a programme opens may not be current.

If you are seeking funding for film-making, this has been delegated to Northern Ireland Screen.

Arts Council Funding Programme Planner 2025/26

The following programme application opening dates are indicative and may be subject to change. 

  • National Lottery Project Funding – closed June
  • New Small Grants Programme – closed July
  • Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme – closed June
  • National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme – opened July, closing September
  • Artists International Development Fund (SIAP) – closed August
  • Musical Instruments Programme (Bands) – closed August
  • Musical Instruments Programme (Professional and non-professional performing groups) – closed August
  • Travel Awards for Bands – opened August, closing Setpember
  • National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme - opened August, closing October
  • National Lottery Organisations Digital Evolution Awards - opens October
  • Annual Funding Programme - opens November

Art Therapy and Art Psychotherapy

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland provides development opportunities and support to artists and organisations through public funding initiatives, including some Arts and Health related initiatives. For example, we may fund arts activities that directly engage with individuals within healthcare, community and arts-based settings, where the aim is to promote the well-being and mental health of participants through the inherent value of the creative process.

We do not fund Art Therapy/Art Psychotherapy which has a clinical focus or sets a therapeutic goal against a specific co-developed treatment plan centred on psychotherapeutic theory.

Please note the titles Art Therapist and Art Psychotherapist are protected by law and to use either of these titles it is a legal requirement to be registered as such with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). All UK Art Therapists must be registered with the HCPC.

Need help with your funding application or further information?

Funding Help & Advice

Recently Closed Programmes