Arts Council Northern Ireland Publishes Coronavirus Response

Arts Council Northern Ireland have stated that their priority is to support people who work in the arts through the challenges they may face over the coming months as a result of Coronavirus.

Published: 20 March 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM

Belfast city hall in the evening — Arts organisations are asked to continue as far possible to honour agreed contracts with artists and freelancers. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The funding body has made the following promises for existing funding awards:

To honour all grants already made in 2019/20 and to work flexibly with rescheduling of events and/or tours.
Aim to ssue any remaining balance of payments for 2019/20 as a matter of urgency.
Work flexibly with on contracts for next year, 2020/21. This may include advancing grant payment to assist with cashflow.
Asking funded arts organisations, in exchange for Arts Council support, to continue as far as possible to honour agreed contracts with artists and freelancers.
Their Arts Officers and Assistants are currently talking to arts organisations to ascertain the impacts and cost implications for organisations.

They are in discussion with their parent department, the Department for Communities, and are assessing what additional support might be offered to the arts sector.

Read Arts Council Northern Ireland’s full information page on their website.

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Close up of a hand writing in a diary, cross referencing dates from a phone.

2026 Dates Announced for Wales and South West England MU Members’ Days

Members in Wales and South West England will be able to attend local and regional Members’ Day events throughout 2026. While more information will be released in the new year, here are some key dates to help you plan ahead.

Published: 09 January 2026

A musician playing guitar and singing into a microphone in a compact home studio.

From Winter Relief to Wellbeing: Spotlight on Support Offered by PRS Members’ Fund

MU members are encouraged to explore PRS Members’ Fund’s wide range of support services for musicians.

Published: 08 January 2026

The European Union flag next to the national flag of Great Britain.

Have Your Say on UK-EU Artist Mobility and Collaboration

Arts Infopoint UK's new survey on UK-EU artist mobility aims to help the arts have a voice and stronger representation in future EU-UK discussions. If you've participated in EU funding programmes, or are working or planning to work on a UK/EU project, we encourage you to take part.

Published: 08 January 2026

Wooden steps on a bright yellow back ground, an arrow is draw over them upwards, to represet the concept of personal development and improvement.

MU Launches Brand New Activist Development Programme for Members

Applications are now open for our new 2026 MU Future Leaders programme, offering underrepresented members the chance to gain campaign expertise, influence union strategy, and build networks across the music sector.

Published: 05 January 2026

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Use your voice

Popular searches