skip to main content

New Recovery Fund Opens in Northern Ireland to Support Individuals Working in the Arts and Creative Sectors

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) and the Department for Communities (DfC), have today (Wednesday 15 September) opened a new recovery funding programme, co-designed to support individuals in the Arts and Creative sectors retain valuable skills.

Published: 23 September 2021 | 5:03 PM
Silhouette of a person holding up their hands in a heart shape, against a stadium audience at a live music event.
CIRP funding aims to support one-off costs that are incurred by individuals working within the creative economy. Photo credit: Shutterstock

The Creative Individuals Recovery Programme (CIRP), worth £5 million from the Department for Communities, offers individuals the opportunity to apply for grants of up to £2,000 each. The programme is now open for online applications and will close at 12:00 pm on Wednesday 6 October 2021.

CIRP funding aims to support one-off costs that are incurred by individuals working within the creative economy, helping them to re-engage with, or maintain their creative practice. Funding should help individuals and artists sustain and build the professional and technical skills, which are so important to the entire creative ecosystem.

This new programme will not replace loss of income for creatives as a result of the pandemic, nor will it support creative purpose relating to heritage or indigenous languages. CIRP will require applicants to undertake activity linked to their practice or art form.

Those eligible to apply include self-employed and freelance individuals working in the creative sector such as; artists, venue support staff, singer songwriters, session musicians, set designers, artists, DJs, actors, dancers, choreographers, musicians, rappers, writers, poets, editors, proof readers, crafts people, comedians, open mike performers, tutors, facilitators, creators, photographers, film-makers, touring crew, artist managers, promotors, lighting and sound technicians/engineers, other technical crew and support staff plus other creative practitioners who work in the creative industries.

For full information on eligibility, guidance notes and to apply visit the ACNI’s website.

Arts Council Northern Ireland have also recently opened a Minority Ethnic Artists Mentoring and Residency Programme, with a deadline for applications on Monday 4 October at 12:00 pm. Find out more about what the programme involves, and eligibility criteria on the ACNI website.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Top view of an acoustic violin and pernambuco wood bow on a tabletop.

Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today

The MU is calling on members to take urgent action to protect the future of high-quality bow making and the musicians who rely on it, after a proposal to move pernambuco wood from Appendix II to Appendix I.

Published: 10 July 2025

Read more about Save Pernambuco Bows: Write to Your MP Today
MU Head of ED&I John Shortell, with Regional Officer Simeon Scheuber-Rush and MU delegates, on the main stage in front of a blue screen saying “TUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference 2025

MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference

Last week, MU members represented the Union at TUC’s annual LGBT+ Workers' Conference, where a motion was passed unanimously on protecting LGBTQ+ rights globally, the value of ED&I work, and promoting greater awareness of intersectional, LGBTQ+ inclusive health and safety issues.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Champions Global LGBTQ+ Rights at TUC Conference
A panel event from last year in a tent. There are four people sat along a table in front of a crowd.

MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025

Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival takes place next weekend and we’re pleased to share more details about the MU’s presence at the event – including confirmed panel appearances, a workshop session, and the debut of our brand new union banner in Sunday’s iconic march.

Published: 08 July 2025

Read more about MU Panels and Workshop Confirmed for Tolpuddle Festival 2025
John Shortell wearing a Musicians' Union t-shirt with rainbow logo, holding a flag, during a Pride march in 2023. He is joined by colleagues and other members who are performing as they walk.

MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List

The MU congratulates John Shortell, Head of ED&I, on being named one of IQ Magazine’s outstanding queer professionals in the international live music business. John is a driving force for change, and the Union is exceptionally proud to have him working on behalf of musicians.

Published: 03 July 2025

Read more about MU Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Named in IQ Magazine’s 2025 Queer Pioneers List