Arts Council of Northern Ireland The National Lottery
General, Funding, Artists, Organisations

Funding available for rural arts projects, supported by The National Lottery

23rd July, 2025

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is welcoming applications to the fourth round of the National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP), funded through The National Lottery.  The programme aims to increase access and participation in the arts in rural areas of Northern Ireland with grants from £500 - £10,000 available.  Applications must be made online on the Arts Council’s website and are now open, closing at 12noon on Thursday 25 September 2025.

Three people standing in a gallery space with art on the walls.
Pictured (L-R) is former recipient of REAP funding, Jill McEneaney, Arts, Cultural and Heritage Manager, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, with Patricia Lavery, Head of Community Arts & Education, Arts Council NI, and Denis O’Rourke, artist.

REAP was established in 2022 by the Arts Council and seeks 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 for people living in rural areas. The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme is one of the Arts Council’s core National Lottery programme areas.

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, 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. The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme programme has been making positive impacts across NI’s rural communities by increasing opportunities for people 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 make a vital contribution to healthy, integrated communities, and I would encourage organisations to apply.”

The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) is open to rural groups across the region for people of all ages. To view the eligibility information and to make an online application visit https://artscouncil-ni.org/fun...