Arts overview

The Department provides funding for the arts in Northern Ireland, sets arts policy and supports arts based initiatives.

Arts Council

Arts Council NI is an arm’s length body of the Department for Communities. The Department provides funding to Arts Council NI for distribution, and to enable it to develop the arts in Northern Ireland. Information on funding opportunities, both past and present, can be found on the Arts Council website

The Partnership Agreement sets out the partnership arrangements agreed between the Department and Arts Council NI.

Arts Council Strategy

Arts Council Strategy aims to place the arts at the heart of social, economic and creative life in Northern Ireland. The Arts Council’s 5 year Strategic Framework for 2019-2024 is Inspire | Connect | Lead

Creative industries

The Department plays a key role in supporting Creative Industries. The sector ranges from television to crafts, advertising to architecture and music to fashion design. The common thread is that the activities they pursue have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent.

Websites of interest

Creative learning centres

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