The Arts Council has designed this programme to enable organisations to purchase equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises, which will provide opportunities to upgrade equipment and carry out necessary works to ensure they maintain a presence in the arts sector.
We want to support organisations across Northern Ireland to maintain their creative spaces addressing any issues that may hinder the work to take place. We want to ensure that organisations have the necessary equipment in place to welcome their staff, artists and audiences. We also want to support organisations in their delivery of the arts.
The scheme aims to provide grants which will help to:
- Maintain / improve the quality of artistic activities delivered
- improve the accessibility of the arts;
- improve the environment for the arts sector;
- enhance or broaden the audience/participants’ experience.
You should only apply to this programme if you will be able to complete the procurement, purchase and delivery of your requested items of equipment from notification of award (anticipated December 2026) and at the latest 31 March 2027. It is important that you consider delivery periods for your requested items of equipment, i.e. the time it takes between placing an order to receipt of equipment to ensure delivery can take place by 31 March 2027.
Similarly, if you are applying for minor works costs, all work must take place and be completed from notification of award and at the latest 31 March 2027.
Eligible expenditure can only be incurred within this timeframe. If you are unable to meet these conditions, you should NOT apply to this scheme as the Arts Council will not meet any costs incurred outside this period.
To apply
For more information and details on how to apply online, see the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website below.
Small Capital Grants Programme
Application Deadline: Monday 16th November, 2026, 12:00PM
