Arts Council opens 2026/27 Annual Funding Programme
Organisations can apply for funding by 8 December 2025 to get support with year-round arts programming and operational costs.
Funding opportunity for arts organisations
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened applications for its 2026/27 Annual Funding Programme. The programme supports organisations delivering year-round arts programming by providing grants for:
- core costs - eg salaries, utilities, insurance, and more
- programming costs - eg artist fees, marketing, materials, travel, transport and more
Who can apply
You can apply if you are a non-profit organisation that needs year-round resources to deliver arts activity. Commercial organisations can apply only if the proposed programme mainly benefits the public and any surplus will be reinvested in a similar programme.
New applicants must have received at least one Arts Council award of £10,001 or more since 1 April 2023 in order to be eligible. You must also speak to the relevant Arts Council arts officer about your proposal before 5pm on Monday 24 November 2025. If you do not make contact before applying, your application will be ineligible.
How to apply
You must apply using Arts Council’s online system. Applications will not be accepted in hard copy or by email.
Applications close at midday on Monday 8 December 2025.
Find out more about Arts Council's Annual Funding Programme 2026/27.
If you have questions about the programme or your application, contact artgrants@artscouncil-ni.org.
First published 13 November 2025