Arts Council NI Opens Small Capital Grants Programme

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The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened its Small Capital Grants Programme, offering grants of up to £25,000 to organisations across Northern Ireland for equipment and minor works.

The programme aims to help organisations maintain and improve creative spaces, address issues that may hinder arts activity, and ensure they have the equipment needed to welcome staff, artists and audiences. Funding can support improvements to artistic quality, accessibility, the working environment and the experience of audiences and participants.

Eligible applicants include:

  • Registered charities.

  • Other fully constituted, non-profit-distributing organisations.

  • Local authorities, although these will be a low priority.

  • Commercial organisations, where the proposed costs are primarily for public benefit rather than their own commercial interests.

  • Consortia of organisations working together to deliver specific projects.

Organisations with limited membership must demonstrate that the proposed work or equipment will benefit the wider public.

Grants can support equipment and minor works that improve venues or working practices. Examples of eligible costs include:

  • Accessibility equipment, minor works and structures that improve access or arts delivery.

  • Creating safe spaces.

  • IT equipment and software to support arts activity.

  • Upgrading or maintaining existing systems.

  • Transport.

Contributions towards tablet computers are capped at £500 per item, while laptops and personal computers are capped at £1,200 per item.

All purchases and minor works must be completed by 31 March 2027.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. For more information please visit Small Capital Grants Programme | Arts Council NI