What We Do

The Arts Council is the official funding and development organisation for the arts in Northern Ireland. We support the vital contribution that the arts make to the region through our broad range of funding opportunities.

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Three older men are engaged in conversation over a glass of wine
Acclaimed poets, Michael Longley and Frank Ormsby, with Chair of the Arts Council, Liam Hannaway

We distribute funding from our principal sponsor, the Department for Communities, and from the National Lottery.

The National Lottery and Department for Communities logos

Our Strategy

The Arts Council’s 5-year Strategic Plan provides the strategic direction for the development of the arts in Northern Ireland over the period 2019-2024.

We are consulting in 2023 on our strategy for 2024-2029.

Our Strategy
Costume artist Sarah Carey I her studio holding one of her feathered hats

What We Support

We support and develop high-quality arts activity, investing funding to create opportunities for more people, from all backgrounds and communities, to enjoy and take part in the arts.

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