Funding applications open for new mental health and arts programme
21st May, 2025
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, together with the Baring Foundation, has opened a new funding programme to give creative opportunities to people living with mental health conditions.
Grants of up to £20,000 are available through the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme to organisations who can develop new arts-based projects that will target people experiencing higher levels of disadvantage or exclusion, including those living with mental health issues, such as addictions and eating disorders.
With support from Arts Council National Lottery funding and the Baring Foundation, the £600,000 programme was launched in 2024. The first year of the programme focused on providing specialist training and support for artists, while the second year will harness the expertise of artists to develop projects that will enhance the mental health and wellbeing of participants.
On Thursday 5th June, the Arts Council and Baring Foundation will host an information and networking event at The Mac in Belfast. The event will be an opportunity to find out about the funding programme, as well as networking and making links with potential partners. There will also be a chance hear about some of the excellent projects already happening in the field and the difference they are making to groups across Northern Ireland.
Lorraine Calderwood, Development Officer: Programmes Officer at the Arts Council, said: “We are very pleased to be entering into our second year and continuing our partnership with the Baring Foundation for this mental health and arts programme. At the heart of this initiative is a desire to deliver meaningful arts-based projects to some of the most vulnerable members of our society. The information event in June will be an opportunity for arts and mental health organisations to come together, to discuss ideas on how we can work together to deliver impactful projects within our communities.”
David Cutler, Director of the Baring Foundation, commented: “The Baring Foundation is delighted to continue a long history of partnership funding with the Arts Council Northern Ireland. This funding will help the dynamic arts and community sector in Northern Ireland to continue to recognise the right of people with mental health issues to express themselves through creativity and to challenge stigma.”
For more information on the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme and how to apply go to: artscouncil-ni.org/funding. Please note the closing date for the programme is 12 noon Friday 27 June 2025
To register to attend the Arts and Mental Health Partnership Programme information event go to:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/artscouncilofnorthernireland/1706091