Arts Council NI: Small Capital Programme

Overview

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

The scheme aims to provide grants which will help to:

• Maintain / improve the quality of artistic activities delivered
• improve the accessibility of the arts;
• improve the environment for the arts sector;
• enhance or broaden the audience/participants’ experience.

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 you can apply for

Grants of up to £25,000 are available.

You can apply for any minor work or item of equipment for an arts-related activity such as, but not limited to, the following:

• New equipment / structures to enhance accessibility / delivery
• Accessibility equipment and minor works
• Creation of safe spaces
• IT equipment to assist / improve arts delivery*
• Software (pre-loaded operating systems and packages only)
• 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.

Please note that all purchases and minor works must be completed by Tuesday 31 March 2026. 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 31 March 2026. If you are unable to meet these conditions, you should NOT apply to this scheme as the Arts Council will not meet any costs incurred beyond this period.

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).