Applications are now open for a wide range of individual artist funding schemes from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI). Whether you’re emerging, mid-career or long-established, these grants are designed to support your development, creative output and international reach across all artforms.

Part of the Support for Individual Artists Programme (SIAP), the schemes offer between £500 and £15,000 for a range of outcomes: research, training, new work, mentorship, travel and more. Artists can apply to multiple schemes, though only one award can be granted per round.

For musicians, composers, performers, designers and artists working in any discipline across NI, this is a key moment to secure direct support. In 2024, over 200 artists received £1.2m through the scheme.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s open now:

Major Individual Awards (MIA)
For artists with national/international track records seeking time and resource to develop ambitious or extended work.
Deadline: Friday 11th July, 12pm
Apply here

Project Funding for Individuals (PFI)
Open to all disciplines, this fund supports activity that advances an artist’s practice, whether it’s developing new work, experimenting with form or producing a standalone project.
Deadline: Thursday 14th August, 12pm
Apply here

WOMEX 2025 Delegate Bursaries
Covers costs for NI-based artists attending the world’s most important folk/trad/roots expo in Tampere, Finland (Oct 2025).
Deadline: Thursday 10th July, 12pm
Apply here

Rosy James Memorial Trust Award
An annual £15,000 bursary supporting artists, designers and makers to develop a significant body of work.
Deadline: Friday 11th July, 12pm
Apply here

Musical Instruments for Individuals
Funding for professional performers working at the highest level to purchase high-quality instruments essential to their career.
Deadline: Monday 28th July, 12pm
Apply here

Artists’ International Development Fund
Jointly supported by the Arts Council and British Council, this grant supports artists developing early-stage international collaborations or projects.
Deadline: Thursday 14th August, 12pm
Apply here

If you’re d/Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent, the University of Atypical can support your application process. Reach out early to ensure time for tailored guidance: access@universityofatypical.org

Each scheme has its own guidance, so be sure to read thoroughly before applying. Whether you’re focused on deepening your practice or connecting globally, this funding round is a key opportunity to move your work forward.