Arts Grants

Ards and North Down Borough Council Arts funding streams.

If you are a community group, special interest group, charitable organisation, an individual artist or a young artist, don’t miss out on this opportunity to access funding for arts-related activities and projects.

Arts Project Grant

Available to arts, community and special interest groups throughout the Ards and North Down Borough area who wish to enhance existing, and undertake new community arts activities. 

A maximum grant of £1,000 is available. 

Open for applications on Thursday 30 November 2023. For projects taking place between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025. Deadline for applications is Monday 22 January at 12noon (sharp).

Guidance notes and application form can be downloaded below.

Individual Artist Grant

Professional artists working and living in the Borough may apply through the Artistic Development Scheme for support towards training costs and artistic residencies.

A maximum grant of £250 is available. 

Open for applications on Thursday 30 November 2023. Application deadline is Monday 26 February 2026 at 11.59pm (sharp)

Application is via an online application form here: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/individual-artists-grant-2024-25

Youth Arts Training Grant

Available to young people living in the Borough who wish to undertake short-term or one-off youth arts training or development opportunities. 

Open for applications on Thursday 30 November 2023. Application deadline is Monday 26 February 2026 at 11.59pm (sharp).

Application is via an online application form here: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/youth-arts-grant-2024-25

Bursaries

The Council is also pleased to offer two Arts Bursaries; the Ballinglen Arts Foundation Bursary, which is a two-week residency in Ballycastle, County Mayo. The residency is aimed at visual artists and craft makers providing them with time to develop their artistic practice. The Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary is a one-week residency for practitioners in all art forms who are based in the Borough. The aim of the bursary is to assist and encourage both established and emerging practitioners. Up to four one-week bursaries available.

Application to Ballinglen is via an online application form here: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/ballinglen24-25andbc

Application to Tyrone Guthrie is via an online application form here: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/tyroneguthrie24-25andbc

Open for applications on Thursday 30 November 2023. Application deadline for both bursaries is Monday 22 January at 12noon (sharp).

For further information on Arts funding, please email: artsgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Or visit: https://andculture.org.uk/funding