The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is inviting applications for two of its annual funding programmes, designed to support both community bands and professional as well as non-professional performing groups with acquiring musical instruments. These programmes form part of the Arts Council's effort to foster and sustain the performing arts sector.

Currently, applications are open for the following initiatives:

Musical Instruments for Bands - for traditional and community bands to replace old instruments and purchase new ones, offering grants of up to £10,000.

Musical Instruments for Professional and Non-Professional Performing Groups - aimed at helping both professional and non-professional groups acquire new instruments and related equipment, this programme provides grants of up to £30,000.

All instruments funded through these programmes must be purchased and delivered by 31 March 2026.

The deadline for applications is 1 August 2025 (noon).