Derry City & Strabane District Council: Artist & Cultural Practitioner Fund

Overview

Who can apply?

• This award is available to artists, practitioners and cultural organisations resident within the DCSDC area.
• Organisations in receipt of other Cultural Grant Aid from Council (Cultural Organisations, Headline Events, Community Festivals or Heritage Animation) in the same year are not eligible for this award.

General Principles

• This is a competitive scheme and applications will be determined on the basis of merit.
• Council will make only one award per artist/organisation.
• Collaborative projects are welcomed. However, the individual/ organisation completing the form must be the same individual/ organisation that will receive and manage the grant. We will not consider an application made by one individual/ organisation on behalf of another.
• In 2025/26 Council are seeking to support new entrants, new projects or projects that demonstrate sufficient development from previous successful applications made under the Artist & Cultural Practitioner Awards.
• Organisations in receipt of public funding must comply with all statutory obligations regarding the delivery of their programming and access to their events.
• The deadline for submission detailed on the application form is absolute. Council will not accept late submissions to this fund nor fund retrospective costs incurred.

How does the fund work?

• There is one round of funding for the financial year 2025/26. This call will relate to projects / events taking place in the financial year 1st April 2025 – 31st March 2026.
• Projects / events taking place will be supported up to a maximum of £1,000 and all financial spend of your proposed event must be spent and vouched by 31st March 2026.
• This award is for one off, unique projects and will not support existing events, events that are already receiving funding from council. However, applicants can apply to other sources of public support.
• The award will cover both Project Costs and Core Costs. Eligible core costs include infrastructure, programming and overheads. Ineligible core costs include hospitality, alcohol, repayments of debts, retrospective grants or capital build expenditure. Please note equipment purchased must be clearly linked to the project and demonstrate good value for money.
• Where artist fees feature as part of the proposal these must be consistent with ACNI defined rates and demonstrate good value for money.
• Residencies or programming beyond the DCSDC boundaries will be considered eligible within this programme as long as the applicant can demonstrate benefit for the local cultural ecosystem.
• You must also complete and provide all reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements as required.