A capital grant funding programme aimed at promoting a more inclusive society in Northern Ireland by enabling disabled people to participate more fully in arts, cultural and active recreation activities is inviting applications.

Funding is available to arts, culture and active recreation venues in Northern Ireland to enable both physical improvements at facilities and works that will enhance the experience on offer to people with disabilities.

The Access and Inclusion Grants programme provided by the Northern Ireland Executive's Department for Communities is accepting applications from local arts, culture and active recreation venues in Northern Ireland which are either:

A museum accredited by Northern Ireland Museums Council.
A local authority-owned venue where the council is providing Access and Inclusion programme support directly. Interested parties should contact their local council to confirm their eligibility and the support available.

The following criteria apply:

There must be a demonstrable need for the project supported by evidence of consultation with and/or input from individuals with disabilities or the disability sector.
An accessibility audit must be completed and attached to each application for a council-owned venue.
Whilst an accessibility audit is not essential for an application from an accredited museum, the project must have the endorsement of Northern Ireland Museums Council.
If the applicant is a community or voluntary organisation, it must have an agreed constitution which includes arts, culture (including leisure) or heritage as a primary objective of the body.

The programme is particularly keen to welcome applications for Changing Places facilities, accessible equipment for play parks and projects that will impact positively on sustainability and climate change.

Grants of up to £30,000 are available, to fund up to 90% of total project costs.

The deadline for applications is 14 September 2023 (5pm).

For more information and to apply, please visit Funding opportunities for Accredited Museums | NIMC