NI-based arts and cultural organisations working in social arts practice will soon have another opportunity to build international connections through the Cultural Bridge programme, which officially reopens for applications this October.

Running since 2021, Cultural Bridge supports partnerships between organisations in the UK and Germany that use the arts to foster community, inclusion and social change. From 1 October to 12 November 2025, the programme will welcome proposals for new and continuing collaborations set to take place during the 2026–2027 cycle.

With funding from a coalition of partners including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, British Council and Goethe-Institut London, Cultural Bridge has already backed 62 collaborative projects across four funding rounds. Notably, several organisations in NI, including DU Dance and Beyond Skin, have taken part, working with German partners on powerful, community-led projects like Ode to Earth.

For this upcoming round, a total of £370,000 (approximately €430,000) is available across two tiers:

  • Tier 1: Up to £10,000 for new UK-Germany partnerships focused on practice exchange and development
  • Tier 2: Up to £30,000 for more established partnerships developing and delivering a shared project

Eligible applicants must be based in the UK or Germany and demonstrate a strong track record in social arts practice with communities. This round will prioritise applications from smaller organisations, those working in rural or underserved areas, and groups whose work empowers local communities and promotes equity and inclusion.

Ahead of the application window, Cultural Bridge will host two online information sessions – on Wednesday 18 June at 2pm and Tuesday 1 July at 12pm – to support prospective applicants.

To read full eligibility criteria, explore previous projects and book an information session, visit the Cultural Bridge website.