University of Atypical for Arts and Disability, in partnership with Belfast City Council, has launched Sounds Atypical, a £25,000 grant scheme to support Belfast’s d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent music community.

This initiative aims to develop, promote, and provide platforms for disabled musicians in performance spaces across the city. The fund is divided into three grant tiers:

  • 2 grants of £5000
  • 2 grants of £3000
  • 2 grants of £2000

Applications opened on Monday, 18 November 2024, and will close on Friday, 17 January 2025.

University of Atypical plays a vital role in Belfast’s UNESCO City of Music designation, supporting and showcasing work by d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists across Northern Ireland and beyond. As a disabled-led organisation, they run year-round exhibitions at the Atypical Gallery, produce the Bounce Arts Festival, and champion accessibility through the Arts and Disability Access Awards.

Edel Murph, CEO and Artistic Director of University of Atypical, said: “This is such an exciting time for the organisation as we embark on this substantial new initiative. Barriers to taking part can often stop disabled people from enjoying the music sector in Belfast. We hope to address these barriers through this new grant scheme and encourage musicians who are d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent to apply.”

Apply here.