Closing date 17/02/2026

Grants are available to constituted voluntary and community groups to support and develop arts-based events, projects or activities that take place in the Ards and North Down Borough.

The funding is intended to support delivery of the following strategic objectives:

To improve access to the arts.
To promote and encourage artistic development and skills in the community.
To encourage participation in the arts.
To support wellbeing through creative activity.
To ensure quality arts experiences and best practice.

Arts Project Grants of up £1,000 are available per group, per financial year.

Match funding of at least 20% either cash or in-kind is required.

Applications are accepted from non-profit making organisations and constituted groups that are based in Ards and North Down Borough.

Groups based outside of the Council Borough may apply if the proposed activity is taking place within the Borough boundaries.

Grants are designed to support new and/or developmental one-off projects and activities.

Projects must:

Address a minimum of four strategic objectives, which are:

To improve access to the arts.
To promote and encourage artistic development and skills in the community.
To encourage participation in the arts.
To support wellbeing through creative activity.
To ensure quality arts experiences and best practice.

Be effectively planned, budgeted and have clear objectives and outcomes.
Be accessible to the general public where appropriate.
Be adequately marketed and publicised throughout the Borough.
Represent value for money.
Be non-party political, non-religious and non-sectarian.

Examples of types of projects that could be funded include:

An arts group could invite a professional practitioner to lead a series of creative workshops to develop new skills in the groups.
A residents' association could work with an artist to design an artwork for a community venue.
An older persons' group could work with an artist to bring to life stories from the past.
A youth group could work on a project with a drama/art tutor, resulting in an end performance or exhibition.
A community group organising a special event/performance that encourages engagement in creative activities.

Applications for 2026/27 will open on 6 January 2026 and must be submitted by the deadline of 17 February 2026.

All projects must have a minimum lead-in time of eight weeks from the deadline for applications before the project is due to start.

Guidance notes and the application form can be accessed from the Ards and North Down Borough Council website - Arts Project Grant | AND Culture