Funding for arts projects supporting wellbeing of older people

Increase opportunities for older people to engage in the arts

Organisations in Northern Ireland can now apply for funding from the National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme, managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Grants of up to £10,000 are available to support arts projects that improve the wellbeing of older people.

The programme aims to challenge perceptions of older age, give older people a stronger voice, reduce isolation and loneliness, and promote positive mental health through involvement in the arts.

Since 2010, it has awarded £2.3 million to over 261 projects across the region. Funding is provided by The National Lottery, the Public Health Agency, and The Baring Foundation.

Eligible applicants include constituted community and voluntary groups working locally with older people, arts organisations, local authorities, and non-governmental organisations that can demonstrate partnership working. Partnerships or consortia led by age sector providers, arts organisations, or local authorities are encouraged, with appropriate representation and support from older people’s groups.

Individuals, sole traders, broadcasters (except community service broadcasters), central government departments, and organisations with statutory duties to provide services to older people are not eligible. Organisations with incomplete grants from previous rounds of this programme cannot apply until their projects are fully closed.

Grants range from £1,000 to £10,000. Applications must be submitted online, with all required documents uploaded at the same time. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Applications will close on 16 October 2025.

For full guidance and to apply, visit the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website.

First published 20 August 2025