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Funding, Organisations

Small Capital Grants Programme now open

16th October, 2026

Grants of up to £25,000 available to NI arts organisations for new equipment and /or minor works.

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has reopened applications to the Small Grants Capital Programme. This scheme offers arts organisations the opportunity to apply for funding grants, of up to £25,000, to upgrade or purchase new equipment and/or carry out minor or necessary works to their premises to ensure that they maintain a presence in the arts sector.

Applications are now open and will close on 16 November 2026. For guidance notes and to make an application visit https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/small-capital-grants-programme

Streetwise circus dfc small capital grants
Pictured left to right: Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Gilly Campbell, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, Co-ordinator of Streetwise Community Circus Jim Webster and Chairman of Streetwise Community Circus Dave Powell. Streetwise Community Circus received £25,000 from the programme last year to purchase a branded van.

The scheme aims to provide grants which will help to maintain and improve the quality of artistic activities delivered, improve accessibility of the arts and the environment for the arts sector, as well as enhance or broaden the audience and participants’ experience.

Arts organisations can apply for any equipment and/or minor works to help adapt or improve their working practice or venue. Examples include new equipment, structures or refurbishment to enhance accessibility or arts programming delivery.

Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is pleased to reopen the Small Capital Grants Programme, and we thank Minister Lyons for making this vital funding available. This programme supports arts organisations by giving them the opportunity to access much-needed funding for new equipment or to carry out essential works, so that they can continue to bring arts, culture and creativity to all.”

The Arts Council welcomes applications from the widest possible range of organisations and, in particular, from applicants whose projects benefit individuals categorised under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

View guidance notes and make an application

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland recently launched a new Arts Impact section on their website. Arts Impact offers reports, official statistics and case studies that can help all of us tell the story of the outcomes of public investment in the arts. View Arts Impact here - https://artscouncil-ni.org/res...