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Multi-annual Arts Grant 2026-28

Funding to help arts organisations in the area to carry out their work, and create annual programmes which benefit people in the borough. 

Deadline for applications is midday on Monday 12 January 2026.

Who it is for

To be eligible for this funding, the applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be an established arts organisation.
  • Be located within the Ards and North Down Borough.
  • The core purpose of the arts organisation and an 80% majority of their annual programming must be arts focused within the recognised artforms.
  • Contribute to the thriving arts sector in the borough.
  • Have been in operation as a constituted arts organisation for a minimum of three years Have a demonstrated record of regular, ongoing arts programming.
  • Have a viable administrative structure.
  • Demonstrate effective governance by a Board of Directors or other body responsible for the arts organisation.
  • Demonstrate good financial management and balanced budgets.

Support you can get

There are two types of Multi-annual Arts Funding.

Multi-Annual Arts Fund: Core

This is for Arts Organisations who are providing a year long programme of arts activity. Their costs will reflect having premises from where they administer and/or deliver the annual arts programme.

Arts Organisations can apply for up to £5,000 per annum.

  • Administrative salaries
  • Rent and Rates
  • Light and Heat
  • Maintenance, security, etc
  • Telephone and Fax
  • Printing, postage, stationery
  • Financial costs eg accountancy
  • Insurance

Multi-Annual Arts Fund: Programming

This multi-annual arts funding is for arts organisations who deliver an annual, largescale, quality arts project to a high standard.

Arts Organisations can apply for up to £4,000 per annum.

  • Artists’ costs
  • Volunteer expenses
  • Publicity/Marketing (excluding catering/merchandising)
  • Transportation
  • Travel, accommodation, subsistence
  • Equipment/Materials

Support organisers

  • Ards and North Down Borough Council

Next Steps

on the Ards and North Down Borough Council website
Published 18 November 2025
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