Funding open for individual artists in Northern Ireland
The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened a range of funding programmes to support the work of individual artists.
Support for artists who are ready to develop their practice
Individual artists in Northern Ireland can now apply for funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme (SIAP). This programme supports artists across all disciplines to create work and develop their practice at home and abroad.
Project Funding for Individuals
This funding is open to artists working in any discipline and at any stage of their career, including emerging artists. It supports a wide range of activities - from creation of new work to research, training, and personal artistic development. Funding of £3,000 to £10,000 is available for work taking place between 1 November 2026 and 31 October 2027.
The deadline for applications is midday on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Find out more: SIAP Project Funding for Individuals.
Major Individual Artist
This programme supports artists of all disciplines and in all types of working practice who have achieved national or international recognition and want to develop more ambitious work. Four awards of £15,000 are available for proposals taking place between 1 September 2026 and 31 August 2027.
The deadline for applications is midday on Monday 20 July 2026.
Find out more: SIAP Major Individual Artists.
Artists' International Development Fund
This annual programme supports early-stage international development opportunities for individual, freelance and self-employed artists based in Northern Ireland. It helps artists build links with artists, organisations or creative producers in another country, with grants from £1,000 to £7,000 for projects taking place between 1 November 2026 and 31 October 2027.
The deadline for applications is midday on Thursday 30 July 2026.
Find out more: SIAP Artists' International Development Fund.
Travel Awards
These awards help individual artists and established music groups of up to two members travel from Northern Ireland to develop their skills and experience. The rolling scheme supports international travel linked to artistic development. Applicants must apply at least four weeks before travel and provide evidence of an invitation from a host organisation.
Find out more: SIAP Travel Awards.
First published 17 June 2026