An annual programme designed to assist organisations to deliver arts projects which contribute to the growth of arts in the community for new and existing audiences, and which reflect the diversity of Northern Ireland's society and culture, is accepting applications.

The National Lottery Project Funding programme provided by Arts Council of Northern Ireland is inviting applications from a wide range of legally constituted organisations including registered charities, public sector bodies, commercial organisations and partnerships of organisations working together.

Projects must take place between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. Eligible projects and activities include:

Projects, events and programmes of activity together with related overhead costs associated with the delivery of the project/event or programme.
Projects which contribute to the growth of the work force and/or artistic development through mentoring programmes or opportunities.
Projects which promote mental health and wellbeing for all participants.
Projects which have sustainable development at their core, or which address environmental issues.
Accessibility costs: these are costs associated with the delivery of a project for people with particular needs as defined under Section 75 of The Northern Ireland Act 1998, eg sign language interpretation, Braille paperwork, transport costs, carer costs.
Continuation of salaries of existing administrative and/or arts posts.
New work commissions and productions in all art forms.
Research and Development.
Audience Development - to meet the needs of audiences and to help arts organisations develop ongoing relationships with diverse audiences.
Touring (in more than one local authority area).
Presentations or exhibitions (in more than one local authority area) of work by artists and arts organisations, which develop opportunities for audiences to attend international events in Northern Ireland which they might not otherwise see.
Projects which are planned to reach significant audiences through 'live', 'as live' or recorded digital performance, publication, broadcast, reading, recording, and/or other audience channels.
Modest requests for capital equipment, website design and upkeep costs and digital platform development will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and these must be integral to project design and/or delivery and/or specific project costs.

Grants of between £10,001 and £75,000 are available. Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 10% of total project costs from non-Lottery, non-Arts Council sources, comprised of cash and/or in-kind funding.

The deadline for applications is 7 May 2024 (12 noon).

For more information and to apply, please visit National Lottery Project Funding 2024-2025 | Arts Council NI (artscouncil-ni.org)