National Lottery Project Funding 2026-2027

Support is available for organisations delivering arts activities of up to one year across Northern Ireland

The Arts Council has developed the National Lottery Project Funding to support arts projects that contribute to the growth of the arts in the community, reach new and existing audiences, and reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland’s society and culture.

Funding supports activity that benefits people in Northern Ireland or helps arts organisations based there to deliver their work.

The programme places particular emphasis on projects that:

• engage children and young people, older people and people with disabilities through work of the highest professional standard
• deliver high-quality arts activity in rural areas
• support Minority Ethnic, D/deaf, neurodiverse and disabled, emerging, working class and LGBTQIA artists
• promote innovative and original work by Northern Ireland artists

Who can apply

The Arts Council welcomes applications from a wide range of organisations, including:

• arts and non-arts organisations, where the project focus is on arts activity
• registered charities and not-for-profit organisations
• commercial organisations, where public benefit is the primary purpose
• local authorities and public sector bodies
• schools, colleges and universities
• consortia of organisations working together

What you can apply for

Applicants can apply for arts activities lasting up to one year that meet the programme aims, including:

• projects, events and programmes, with essential delivery and overhead costs
• workforce and artistic development, including mentoring and research
• activity supporting mental health, wellbeing, sustainability and accessibility
• new commissions, touring and audience development across multiple areas
• digital, broadcast or recorded activity, plus modest capital or website costs where integral to delivery

Apply online for the National Lottery Project Funding 2026-2027.

The deadline for applications is Monday 1 June 2026 at noon.

First published 13 May 2026