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Arts Council Northern Ireland Announce Funding for Key Arts Organisations

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) have announced annual funding of £12.9 million for 97 key arts organisations from its exchequer and National Lottery resources.
 

Published: 16 April 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland, UK
ACNI will be flexible with clients regarding how funding is deployed and used this year while organisations strive to maintain liquidity. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

The funding body has promised an upfront payment of 50% of the total grant value offered to help stabilise key organisations in the wake of the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts sector.

ACNI have stated that they will be flexible with clients regarding how funding is deployed and used this year while organisations strive to maintain liquidity and create the inspirational work we all need in this situation.

ACNI have also announced an Artist’s Emergency Programme which is currently being designed to support individual artists and freelancers in response to the pressures of Covid-19.  We will announce full details on this fund once we know more.

Find out more about ACNI’s fund for key arts organisations on their website.

Where to go for immediate financial support

If you’re in need of immediate financial relief, would like some sources for financial advice, or want to know more about the Government’s financial assistance schemes, see our Financial Support page.

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