Northern Ireland opens £750,000 arts equipment and small works fund

Arts organisations have until 16 November to apply to the Small Capital Grants Programme.

issue.red Published 17 Oct 2026, 09:43 1 min read

Editorial collage of an archive photograph of the Grand Opera House in Belfast in 2021 with charcoal sketches of arts equipment. — AI-assisted editorial collage. Photo: GFoxGOH / Christopher Heaney, 19 May 2021, Grand Opera House, Belfast. Photo and adaptation under CC BY-SA 4.0. Archive landmark illustration; the pictured venue is not identified as a grant applicant or recipient. Photo rearranged with original drawings.

Arts organisations in Northern Ireland can seek support for equipment and small improvements to their facilities through a £750,000 funding programme announced on 16 October. Applications to the Small Capital Grants Programme close on 16 November.

Equipment and accessibility

The programme supports purchases and works intended to maintain arts activities, improve digital technology and strengthen organisations’ sustainability. Improving access and the experience of audiences and participants is also among its objectives.

The £750,000 is the programme’s total funding, rather than an award per organisation.

Where to find details

The Department for Communities directs prospective applicants to the Arts Council for further information.

Original source

Department for Communities: programme announcement and Arts Council information link.

Sources

Lyons launches funding programme for arts organisations — Department for Communities