Arts Council of Northern Ireland The National Lottery

The National Lottery: transforming the cultural landscape in Northern Ireland

12th November, 2025

Over 30 years since the first National Lottery draw, we take a look at how money raised for good causes in the arts has benefitted every constituency in Northern Ireland.

Four women standing in a theatre. Two women in the middle are holding a large, red suitcase and the ones on outside left and right are each standing on one leg.
Project Children, a play by Brassneck Theatre Company, which receives National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. The play told the incredible story of the Project Children programme, which spanned 40 years and brought 23,000 Northern Ireland children to the USA during the summer months, as respite from the conflict. Pictured (left to right) are Mary Moulds (actress), Monica Culbert (Project Children volunteer), Sally Brennan (Project Children volunteer) and Nicky Harley (actress).

Key facts:

  • Since it launched in 1994, more than £217 million of National Lottery money has been invested in 9,680 rural and urban arts projects by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
  • More than 30 years on from the first National Lottery draw, there is now an arts building within 20 miles of everyone living in Northern Ireland.
  • Money raised for good causes through The National Lottery supports hundreds of artists and arts organisations every year and helps to leverage additional investment in the Northern Ireland cultural sector.

National Lottery funding has impacted every constituency in Northern Ireland. Discover what’s been happening in your area below.

  • Belfast East:

Key geographical areas - Strandtown, Castlereagh, Gilnahirk, Dundonald

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Christmas comes early for 204 artists across the region who are set to benefit from £1.2m Arts Council NI funding – includes artist Stephen Johnston, from Lisburn & Castlereagh

  • Belfast South and Mid Down:

Key geographical areas – Newtownbreda, Finaghy, Drumbo, Carryduff, Moneyreagh, Saintfield

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Lyric Theatre wins prestigious ‘Theatre of the Year’ at UK Theatre Industry Awards

  • East Antrim:

Key geographical areas – Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Larne

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Boost your mood with a song! The Pick Me Up Choir is calling for singers of all abilities to get involved!

  • Fermanagh and South Tyrone:

Key geographical areas - Kesh, Irvinestown, Ballinamallard, Enniskillen, Lisbellaw, Maguiresbridge, Lisnaskea, Fivemiletown, Clogher, Dungannon, Moygashel, Moy

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Dylan Quinn Dance Theatre set to benefit from Cultural Bridge funding

  • Lagan Valley:

Key geographical areas - Aghalee, Maghaberry, Royal Hillsborough, Dromore, Lisburn, Lambeg

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Leading NI artists honoured with National Lottery Major Awards by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland - includes poet Shelley Tracey, from Lisburn.

  • Newry and Armagh:

Key geographical areas - Armagh, Tynan, Derrynoose, Keady, Tassagh, Markethill, Poyntzpass, Tandragee, Newtownhamilton, Bessbrook, Carnough, Cullyhanna, Newry, Crossmaglen, Cullaville

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – Arts Council announces Annual Funding Programme awards for 2025-26 – includes Drake Music Project Northern Ireland.

  • North Down:

Key geographical areas - Cultra, Seahill, Helen's Bay, Crawfordsburn, Craigavad, Bangor, Conlig, Six Roads Ends, Cotton, Groomsport, Ballyvester, Donaghadee, Millisle

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Bangor’s Seacourt Print Workshop launches exhibition of work by Pop Art Pioneer

  • South Down:

Key geographical areas - Loughbrickland, Poyntpass, Rathfriland, Mayobridge, Burren, Warrenpoint, Castlewellan, Dundrum, Tyrella, Bryansford, Newcastle, Kilkeel, Annaloong, Killough, Ardglass, Downpatrick

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - County Down story of family treachery and whiskey set to be staged in Brussels

  • Upper Bann:

Key geographical areas - Portadown, Craigavon, Loughgall, Maghery, Waringstown, Lurgan, Seapatrick, Banbridge

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency – 25 YEARS OF CREATIVITY: Celebrating Visual Arts &… | Arts Council NI

  • Belfast North:

Key geographical areas – Glengormley, Whiteabbey, Old Park, Ballysillan, Ardoyne

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Creative Schools Ambassador Event | Arts Council NI

  • Belfast West:

Key geographical areas – Hannahstown, Andersonstown, Dunmurry

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Story of Landmark project which gave 23,000… | Arts Council NI

  • East Londonderry:

Key geographical areas – Limavady, Dungiven, Garvagh, Claudy

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Entertaining and diverse line-up unveiled at Bounce… | Arts Council NI includes events in Limavady

  • Foyle:

Key geographical areas – Shantallow, Maydown, Culmore, Drumahoe, Lisnagelvin

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Young podcasters from Greater Shantallow Community Arts’ Studio 2 visit BBC Radio Ulster… | Arts Council NI

  • Mid-Ulster:

Key geographical areas – Draperstown, Cookstown, Coalisland

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Young people from Craic Arts Centre perform theatre… | Arts Council NI

  • North Antrim:

Key geographical areas – Ballymoney, Cushendall, Cushendun,Ballymena

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Arts Council announces £400,326 for 63 rural arts… | Arts Council NI – includes Big Telly Theatre Co., Ballymoney

  • South Antrim:

Key geographical areas – Antrim, Muckamore, Glenavy, Ballyclare, Randalstown

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Women’s Aid and Spark Opera join forces | Arts Council NI

  • Strangford:

Key geographical areas – Newtownards, Ballynahinch, Kircubbin, Crossgar, Ballygowan

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Arts Council announces £40,000 for innovative… | Arts Council NI – includes Michael Speers, Newtownards.

  • West Tyrone:

Key geographical areas – Strabane, Omagh, Castlederg, Dromore

Example of a project funded by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in this constituency - Leading NI artists honoured with National Lottery… | Arts Council NI – includes Brian McGilloway, Strabane.

National Lottery funding in Northern Ireland has helped people connect with the arts, supporting thousands of projects in urban and rural locations.

On Wednesday 19 November, we’re inviting you to post crossed finger selfies to say a collective thank you to National Lottery players for their incredible contribution to good causes in the arts. See #BecauseOfYou for details on how to get involved.