Funding

Arts Council funding available for rural arts projects, supported by National Lottery

20th June, 2024

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is welcoming applications to the third round of the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP), a funding scheme, funded through The National Lottery, which aims to increase access and participation in the arts in rural areas of Northern Ireland. Grants from £500 - £10,000 are available and applications must be made online on the Arts Council’s website. Applications are open from Thursday 20th June 2024 and will close at 12noon on Wednesday 21st August 2024.

A man in a living room dusting curtains at a window looking over at a woman who is on the phone smiling.
Pictured is Big Telly Theatre Company actors Michael Johnston and Christina Nelson. Big Telly received REAP funding in the past for their pictured project, The Living Room which involved rural communities in Ballymoney, Garvagh, Maghera, Larne and Ballymena.

REAP was established in 2022 by the Arts Council andseeks to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities in accessing and participating in the arts.  The overarching theme of the programme is to tackle isolation and loneliness and promote social inclusion and wellbeing through participation in the arts in rural areas.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “We know that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness. Funding from the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme has been a game changer in increasing opportunities for people living in rural communities to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The Arts Council believes that arts, and coming together as communities, can all make a vital contribution to building health, confidence and integrated communities and I would encourage organisations to apply.”

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) is one of the Arts Council’s core National Lottery programme areas and is open to rural groups across the region for people of all ages. Please note that applications must be submitted online and are open from Thursday 20th June 2024 and will close at 12noon on Wednesday 21st August 2024.

To view the eligibility information, guidance notes and to make an online application visit https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/rural-engagement-arts-programme