Arts Council NI: Health and Safety Capital Programme

Overview

They wwant to support organisations across Northern Ireland to maintain their creative spaces addressing any issues that may hinder the work to take place. We want to ensure that organisations have proper measures in place to welcome their staff, artists and audiences. We also want to support organisations in their delivery of the arts in new and creative alternatives.

Particular priority will be given to equipment and minor works which:

• improves the accessibility of the arts;
• continues the safe practice for continued accessibility of the arts;
• improves the environment for the arts sector; and
• enhances or broadens the audience/participants’ experience.

Is your project timetable suitable?

You should only apply to this programme if you will be able to complete the procurement, purchase and delivery of your requested items of equipment from notification of award and at the latest 29 February 2024. It is important that you consider delivery periods for your requested items of equipment, ie the time it takes between placing an order to receipt of equipment to ensure delivery can take place by 29 February 2024. Similarly, if you are applying for minor works costs, all work must take place and be completed from notification of award and at the latest 29 February 2024. Eligible expenditure can only be incurred within this timeframe.

How Much Funding is Available?

The Health and Safety Capital Programme budget is £600,000. Please keep in mind that the amount of money available is limited and demand for funds is likely to be extremely high. It is not usually possible to fund all applications which simply meet the criteria or to fund the entirety of any given request.

How Much Partnership Funding Do You Need?

Only local authorities must provide partnership funding. The minimum partnership funding provided by such organisations is 50% in cash from non-Arts Council sources (in kind contributions will not be considered).

For all applicants, the assessment process may take into account any other funds you are able to bring to the project and this may influence the outcome of the assessment.

Who can apply?

The Arts Council welcomes applications from the widest possible range of organisations and, in particular, from applicants whose projects benefit individuals categorised under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. In addition, in order to be eligible to apply to this programme, please note the following:

• You do not have to be primarily an arts organisation (for example, community groups may apply to the scheme), however, the purpose of the requested equipment and / or minor works must be clearly focussed on the arts.
• Local authorities are eligible to apply but they are a low priority.
• Registered charities and other fully constituted organisations which cannot distribute a profit are eligible to apply.
• Commercial organisations can only apply for support if the equipment and/or minor works is primarily for the benefit of the public rather than their own commercial interests.
• If your organisation has a limited membership you must show that the equipment and / or minor works will benefit the wider public.
• Groups of organisations (consortia) working together to deliver specific projects may apply.

What can you apply for?

You can apply for any equipment or minor works to help adapt your venue or working practice. This could be, but not limited to, the following:

• Creation of safe spaces
• New equipment / structures to enable delivery outdoors
• IT equipment to assist with remote working environments
• Software (pre-loaded operating systems and packages only)
• Accessibility equipment and minor works
• Works in relation to upgrading and maintaining existing systems
• Transport

* The following maximum contributions towards these particular items of IT equipment should be noted. Contributions above these limits will only be made in exceptional circumstances, where the applicant has presented a strong rationale justifying additional costs per item.

• Tablet Computers: £500
• Laptops/PCs: £1,200

Further Information & Support

If you have any queries about the programme or need any help or advice completing the application, please contact the Arts Council. A list of staff can be found on the website - http://artscouncil-ni.org/contact-them.