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Further Financial Support for Culture Sector in Northern Ireland Announced

In welcome news, the Department for Communities has announced a £4m support package for the arts, creative industries and cultural sector in Northern Ireland.

Published: 24 July 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photo of a big concert celebration with bright lights and cheering crowds
The fund has been designed with an emphasis on bolstering freelancers and performers and preventing the loss of arts organisations. Photo credit: shutterstock

Department for Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has today announced details of the Creative Support Fund which will reopen on 31 July with a £4m support package for the arts, creative industries and cultural sector.

The fund has been designed with an emphasis on bolstering freelancers and performers and preventing the loss of arts organisations, with priority being given to those who have not been able to access other funding from government or elsewhere.

The fund will open from 31 July - 17 August and the awards will range from £1,000 to £5,000.

Find out more on Department for Communities webpage.

Very welcome news for the creative sector

Our Regional Organiser for Scotland & Northern Ireland Caroline Sewell responded to the announcement:

“This is very welcome news for the creative sector in Northern Ireland, and particularly for those performers and creative workers who have fallen through the gaps in terms of eligibility for other sources of government support.

“The Department for Communities have listened, and we look forward to further working with them in the coming months to ensure we continue to look at ways we can support our members during this time of hardship.”

No musician left behind

Act now to support musicians by continuing to ask the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to protect all self-employed workers, and ensure no musician is left behind.

You can use our template letter if you're not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too. Personal stories make all the difference.

Write to Rishi now.

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