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Second Phase of Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Funding Programme Opens

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (NI) Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme has opened up for a second wave of funding applications, as of Thursday 17 December.

Published: 17 December 2020 | 1:34 PM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:32 PM
Photograph of an audience members hands, creating a heart shape with their fingers and held up in  silhouette against purple stage lights.
“The overriding objective of this programme is to retain a vital workforce within the creative sector which is at risk of being lost as a result of Covid-19.” Photo credit: Shutterstock

The fund, which opened for applications on Thursday 17 December, is aimed at supporting individuals working in the creative economy in Northern Ireland – including freelance musicians and DJs.

Priority for funding will be given to those who have been unable to access other forms of financial support from Government or other sources and who have not received funding from the Arts Council of NI’s Artists Emergency Programme (AEP) or Individuals Emergency Resilience Programme 1. However individuals who have previously received Arts Council of NI funding will still be able to apply.

The deadline for applications is 4:00 pm on Thursday 7 January 2021, and the organisers will be doing their best to make their final decisions in February 2021.

Find out more about eligibility criteria, and how to apply for the fund, on Arts Council NI’s website.

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