Funding available to support arts and business partnerships
Arts & Business NI Investment Programme offers funding for partnerships between cultural and commercial businesses.
Apply now for a chance to get a £15,000 match-funding award
Arts & Business NI is inviting applications for its Investment Programme, which offers match funding to support creative partnerships between commercial businesses and arts or cultural organisations in Northern Ireland.
The programme has been building links between the cultural and commercial sectors for over 35 years. It helps organisations form long-term partnerships, reach new audiences, and connect with local communities through creative collaboration.
Funding available
The Investment Programme provides competitive match funding of up to £15,000 for each successful partnership, awarded to the lead arts partner in a financial year. A partnership can receive investment up to two times.
Funding can support projects that:
- develop or expand an existing partnership
- allow partners to deliver new or additional activity
- help take a creative project to the next stage
Who can apply
Applications are open to arts or cultural organisations and businesses based in Northern Ireland, whether they are members or non-members of Arts & Business NI.
Applications open five times per year. The next deadline is Friday 27 March 2026.
Additional submission dates include:
- 29 May 2026
- 28 August 2026
- 30 October 2026
- 29 January 2027
Each application must be made jointly by both partners. Full eligibility criteria, funding limits, and exclusions are outlined in the Investment Programme guidelines.
First published 25 March 2026