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Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a £750,000 programme to provide financial support to arts organisations. The Small Capital Grants Programme will allow organisations to buy equipment and carry out necessary works on their facilities. Applications close on 16 November and Newry arts organisations are invited to apply.
The programme will also allow organisations to become more accessible. This includes enhancing children and young persons’ experiences of the arts, contributing to their wellbeing and widening their cultural experiences.
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 grants are intended to support arts organisations with small capital works and equipment, and to help them meet their digital needs by providing up to date technology. They are also designed to help organisations maintain the quality of their artistic activities, aid their sustainability and enhance the experiences of audiences and participants.
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.”
Streetwise Community Circus received £25,000 from the programme last year to purchase a branded van. Jim Webster of Streetwise 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.”
More information on the Small Capital Grants Programme is available at artscouncil-ni.org
