£750,000 funding programme launched to support arts organisations across Northern Ireland
Arts organisations across Northern Ireland are being offered the opportunity to access funding for equipment and improvements to their facilities through a new £750,000 programme.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced the Small Capital Grants Programme on Friday 16 October 2026.
The initiative is designed to help organisations maintain and improve their facilities, purchase equipment and provide better experiences for audiences and participants.
Funding for equipment and improvements
The programme will support small capital projects that allow arts organisations to continue delivering activities within their communities.
Funding can be used to purchase equipment and undertake minor improvements to buildings and facilities.
The scheme will also support organisations seeking to improve accessibility, helping more people participate in arts and cultural activities.
Another priority is improving access to modern technology, allowing organisations to develop their digital capabilities.
Supporting arts and culture
Minister Gordon Lyons said the £750,000 investment would help sustain arts organisations and protect cultural facilities.
He highlighted the contribution of the arts to Northern Ireland’s social and economic life.
The Minister said the programme would support organisations seeking to purchase new equipment and carry out necessary improvements to their premises.
The funding is also intended to enhance opportunities for children and young people to participate in arts activities.
Arts Council welcomes investment
The programme will be administered through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Gilly Campbell, the Arts Council’s Director of Arts Development, welcomed the reopening of the scheme.
She said the funding would provide organisations with an opportunity to access support for essential equipment and building improvements.
The Arts Council believes the programme will help organisations continue providing creative opportunities to communities across Northern Ireland.
Previous funding helped community circus
One organisation previously supported by the programme is Streetwise Community Circus.
The organisation received £25,000 last year to purchase a branded vehicle.
Jim Webster, from Streetwise Community Circus, said the investment had helped the organisation transport equipment while also raising awareness of its activities.
The Minister highlighted the project as an example of how relatively small capital investments can support arts organisations.
Applications close in November
The Department for Communities has confirmed that applications to the Small Capital Grants Programme are scheduled to close on Monday 16 November 2026.
Organisations interested in applying are being directed to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for further information.
The programme is intended to help maintain arts facilities, improve accessibility and support the continued delivery of cultural activities across Northern Ireland.
Applications to the Small Capital Grants Programme close on 16 November. For more information, visit https://artscouncil-ni.org/funding-for-organisations/small-capital-grants-programme
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