The aim of the Annual Funding Programme (AFP) is to support Northern Ireland’s arts infrastructure through grants to organisations in all artforms and practices for their core and programming costs. AFP organisations will be key to helping us achieve the objectives set out in our 5-year strategic framework for developing the arts, Inspire / Connect / Lead, and we expect all awardees to support us in delivering these objectives.

Who can apply?

Non-profit distributing organisations which can demonstrate they require a year-round resource to deliver arts programming.
Commercial organisations can only apply for support if the proposed programme is primarily for the benefit of the public and where there are plans to re-invest any surplus into a similar programme.
New applicants to the Annual Funding Programme must have been in receipt of a single award of at least £10,001 from ACNI since 1 April 2020 in order to be eligible for the scheme and must contact the appropriate ACNI arts officer to discuss their application prior to submission and by 5pm on 10 February at the latest. Failure to make prior contact with the Arts Council before submitting an application will render your application ineligible.

What You Can Apply For

You can apply for one year funding only. Eligible costs include the following:

Core costs:
Administrative salaries
Rent and Rates
Light and Heat
Maintenance, security, etc.
Telephone and Fax
Printing, postage, stationery
Financial costs
Insurance

Programming costs:
Artists’ costs
Volunteer expenses
Audience Development plans
Publicity/Marketing (excluding catering/merchandising)
Transportation
Travel, Accommodation, Subsistence
Equipment/Materials
Access/Participation Plans

Premium Payments:
An amount of up to £3,000 each year is available within the grant (i.e. to be included and potentially awarded as an element of your budget and request amount) for successful applicants who can clearly demonstrate that additional costs are associated with the delivery of their project for people with particular needs as defined under Section 75 of The Northern Ireland Act 1998. Please note that premium payments are made retrospectively on submission of evidence of demonstrated use of the services.

Deadline for applications: Friday 17th February 2023 at 12pm

For more information and to apply, please visit Annual Funding Programme | Arts Council of Northern Ireland (artscouncil-ni.org)