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.

Bursaries

The Council is also pleased to offer two Arts Bursaries; the Ballinglen Arts Foundation Bursary, 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.

Applications are currently open for Ballinglen Arts Foundation Bursary. Please click on the link below to access the online application form:

Ballinglen Online Application Form

Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 8 December 2025 at 11.59pm sharp.

The Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary is a one-week residency for practitioners in all art forms based in the Borough. The bursary aims to assist and encourage both established and emerging practitioners. Up to four one-week bursaries are available.

Applications are currently open for Tyrone Guthrie centre Bursaries. Please click on the link below to access the online application form:

Tyrone Guthrie Centre Online Application Form

Deadline for receipt of applications is Monday 8 December 2025 at 11.59pm sharp.

Multi-Annual Arts Grant - 2026 - 2028

Ards and North Down Borough Council's Multi-Annual Arts Grant is offered every two years and supports arts organisations within the Borough for core funding/annual arts events.

A maximum grant of up to £5,000 per annum is available.

Applications open Monday 17 November 2025.

Deadline for receipt of applictions is Monday 12 January 2026.

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. 

Applications open Tuesday 6 January 2026.

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. 

Applications open Monday 1 December 2025.

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.  

Applications open Friday 16 January 2026.

For further information on Arts funding, please email: artsgrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or visit: https://andculture.org.uk/funding