Lyons launches funding programme for arts organisations
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a £750,000 programme which will offer financial support to arts organisations.
The Small Capital Grants Programme will enable organisations to purchase equipment and carry out necessary works on facilities.
The programme will also allow organisations to become more accessible, including by enhancing children and young persons’ experiences of the arts, contributing to their wellbeing and widening their cultural experiences.
Minister Lyons said:
“I am delighted to announce this £750,000 Small Capital Grants Programme which will offer arts organisations the opportunity to buy equipment and carry out minor works.
“This programme is a further investment that will support organisations working across the arts in creating new output and help protect and enhance facilities and venues. The arts play a vital role in Northern Ireland’s social and economic life – this funding will help sustain that.”
The programme aims to provide grants which will help:
- Support arts organisations by providing grant awards for small capital works and equipment
- Promote arts organisations' digital needs by providing up to date technology
- Allow arts organisations to maintain the quality of the artistic activities
- Aid the sustainability of arts organisations
- Enhance audience and participants’ arts experiences
Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is pleased to reopen the Small Capital Grants Programme, and we thank Minister Lyons for making this vital funding available. This programme supports arts organisations by giving them the opportunity to access much-needed funding for new equipment or to carry out essential works, so that they can continue to bring arts, culture and creativity to all.”
Jim Webster of Streetwise Community Circus, which received £25,000 from the programme last year to purchase a branded van, said:
“The ability to apply to this programme was a great boost for Streetwise. Our branded van helps promote our community circus while also being hugely useful in moving our equipment.”
Applications to the Small Capital Grants Programme close on 16 November. For more information, visit Arts Council
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with (left to right) Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Gilly Campbell, Co-ordinator of Streetwise Community Circus Jim Webster and Chairman of Streetwise Community Circus Dave Powell
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