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.

Arts Bursaries are not currently open for applications.

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.

Multi-Annual Arts Grants are not currently open for applications.

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 are currently OPEN, please download the guidance notes and application form below.

Deadline for receipt of applications is Tuesday 17 February 2026, 12noon.

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 for 2026/27 Individual Artists Grant open Monday 1 December 2025.

For opportunities taking place between 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027

Please click on this link to access the online application form: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/individual-artists-grant-2026-27/

Application deadline is Monday 9 February 2026, 11:59pm (sharp)

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 for 2026/27 open Friday 16 January 2026.

(for activity taking place from 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027)

Please click on this link to access the online application form: https://engage.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/crafts/youth-arts-grant-2026-27/

Application deadline is Friday 6 March 2026, 11:59pm (sharp)

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