Applications now open for funding for individual artists

The programmes are part of the funding scheme, Support for Individual Artists Programme (SIAP), which provides funding to support individual artists, working across all artforms, both at home and internationally, and at different stages in their career

While artists may apply to more than one programme, only one grant will be awarded in any one funding round. Separate application forms must be submitted for each scheme and the projects within each application must be significantly different.

This scheme supports ACNI’s strategic outcome 3, ‘creating the conditions to grow artistic talent and develop the wider workforce’, and outcome 5, ‘we will enable innovation and artistic risk taking in the arts sector’, as outlined in the Arts Council ‘s 10-Year Strategic Plan.

For details of how to apply, eligibility and how much funding you can request under each programme, please check the individual guidance notes. Links are included below.

Open Now

Project Funding for Individuals

The Project Funding for Individuals programme is open to artists of all disciplines and in all types of working practice, at all stages of their career, including emerging artists. It aims to support the wide range of activity that can be undertaken by artists in relation to their practice, and to enable innovation and experimentation. A “project” and its associated costs can be any activity that develops and supports an artist’s creative practice.

The minimum amount an artist can apply for is £3,000; the maximum request is £10,000 for proposals taking place between 1 November 2026 and 31 October 2027.

Deadline for Applications: 12 noon, 30 July 2026.

Decisions: October 2026.

For guidance notes and application visit: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-individuals/project-funding-for-individuals 

Major Individual Artist (MIA)

The Major Individual Artist programme is open to artists of all disciplines and in all types of working practice who have achieved national or international recognition. The Major Individual Artist Awards are intended to create the circumstances in which established artists with national / international recognition may develop extended or ambitious work. An artist’s proposal should result in a significant creative outcome.

Four awards for £15,000 are available for proposals taking place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.

Deadline for Applications: 12 noon, 20 July 2026.

Decisions: August 2026.

For guidance notes and application visit: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-individuals/major-individual-artists 

Artists International Development Fund (AIDF)

The Artists’ International Development Fund (AIDF) is an annual programme, jointly funded by the British Council and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and is open to both individual artists and organisations. The programme supports early-stage international development opportunities for individual, freelance and self-employed artists and organisations based in Northern Ireland.

It will afford recipients the opportunity to spend time building links with artists, organisations, and/or creative producers in another country. The aim of the programme is to support individual international developmental opportunities for talent and artistic excellence from Northern Ireland and, thereby, enhance Northern Ireland’s international artistic development, reputation and standing.

Small grants from £1,000 to £7,000 area available for proposals taking place between 1 November 2026 and 31 October 2027.

Deadline for Applications: 12 noon, 30 July 2026.

Decisions: October 2026.

For guidance notes and application visit: https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-individuals/artists-international-development-fund-individuals