skip to main content
Search

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.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

MU members and Senedd candidates infront of an MU banner.

MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities

Welsh MU members met Labour Senedd candidates to discuss the future of the music industry in Wales, presenting the Union’s manifesto priorities for fair pay, strong public investment, and long-term sustainability across the sector ahead of the 7 May elections.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about MU Members Meet Senedd Candidates to Highlight Music’s Role in Wales’s Economy and Communities
The BBC Symphony Orchestra onstage at th BBC Proms. A huge crowd watches in a lit up room.

Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future

As the BBC Charter comes up for renewal, the MU is urging members to respond to the consultation and support the vital role the BBC plays in sustaining jobs, commissioning new work and underpinning the UK’s music industry. Use our template email to have your say before 10 March.

Published: 19 February 2026

Read more about Protect Our BBC: Your Chance to Shape its Future
All news and features