Community Arts Partnership: CEMENT Programme 2025–26

Overview

CEMENT works with artists and communities to deliver projects that combine creativity, social connection and positive change. The programme pairs community hosts with trained artists/facilitators to co-design and deliver projects that:

• Engage local people in high-quality creative activity
• Build skills, confidence, and shared ownership of the process
• Address social issues through participatory arts
• Leave a lasting legacy in the community

Who can apply?

They welcome applications from:

• Community centres, local development groups, cultural organisations, youth projects, residents’ associations, and other grassroots networks
• Groups able to commit space, time and staff/volunteer involvement to host and support a project
• Organisations committed to inclusivity, respect, and co-creation with participants

Please note: Arts organisations already in receipt of Arts Council of Northern Ireland Funding will NOT be considered.

You DO NOT need to have delivered an arts project before – they value your community knowledge and connections as much as artistic experience.

What selected organisations receive

• An experienced artist mentor and an artist mentee assigned to your project
• Full mentoring and project management support from CAP
• A supportive materials budget built into the programme
• In some special circumstances, assistance with participant travel or care support (via programme partners)
• All agreed project costs covered, including artist fees and materials
• Capacity-building opportunities for your team and volunteers
• A place in a wider network of CEMENT partners across NI

What’s expected from you

• A genuine commitment to co-design and co-delivery
• An identified lead contact in your organisation
• Suitable space for workshops and/or activities
• Active involvement in recruiting participants and supporting sessions

Projects delivered: Autumn 2025 – Spring 2026

CEMENT – Community Engagement, Mentoring, Networking and Training – is funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, and the Halifax Foundation, and delivered by Community Arts Partnership, Northern Ireland’s leading advocate for community-engaged arts.