Deadline: 25-Sep-23
The Arts Council has designed this programme to enable organisations to purchase equipment and/or carry out minor works to their premises which will address any health and safety issues or has been an outstanding maintenance issue which has rendered the space not fit for purpose.
They want to support organisations across Northern Ireland to maintain their creative spaces addressing any issues that may hinder the work to take place. They want to ensure that organisations have proper measures in place to welcome their staff, artists and audiences and also want to support organisations in their delivery of the arts in new and creative alternatives.
Particular priority will be given to equipment and minor works which:
- Improves the accessibility of the arts.
- Continues the safe practice for continued accessibility of the arts.
- Improves the environment for the arts sector.
- Enhances or broadens the audience/participants’ experience.
Funding Information
- The Health and Safety Capital Programme budget is £600,000. Please keep in mind that the amount of money available is limited and demand for funds is likely to be extremely high. It is not usually possible to fund all applications which simply meet the criteria or to fund the entirety of any given request.
- They will aim to distribute the funds as widely as possible and may take account in the assessment of your application of the level of support you have previously received or are currently receiving, as well as your organisation’s management of any previous grants.
- You should be realistic in your expectations and budgets and bear in mind that the Council may choose to fund specific elements of your proposal rather than the full request.
- You may apply for multiple items of equipments and/or minor works costs.
- You will need to provide at least two quotes for each requested item of equipment – more if the value of the item is above £5,000
- If you are requesting more than one of any given item of equipment, only one set of quotes is necessary. For example, if you request three identical desks which each cost £150, you only need to upload two quotes in relation to this; you do not have to upload two separate quotes for each of the three desks.
- For minor works applications, you will need to provide a schedule of work, together with at least two quotes for each element of the work, in addition to details of your lease.
- They will not pay VAT on any expenditure incurred by VAT registered organisations with the ability to reclaim VAT costs.
- Remember that the grant will be paid retrospectively on production of invoices/receipts.
- Once awarded, grants cannot be increased.
What You Can Apply for?
- Creation of safe spaces
- New equipment / structures to enable delivery outdoors
- IT equipment to assist with remote working environments
- Software (pre-loaded operating systems and packages only)
- Accessibility equipment and minor works
- Works in relation to upgrading and maintaining existing systems
- Transport
Note: The following maximum contributions towards these particular items of IT equipment should be noted. Contributions above these limits will only be made in exceptional circumstances, where the applicant has presented a strong rationale justifying additional costs per item.
- Tablet Computers: £500
- Laptops/PCs: £1,200
Who Can Apply?
- You do not have to be primarily an arts organisation (for example, community groups may apply to the scheme), however, the purpose of the requested equipment and / or minor works must be clearly focussed on the arts.
- Local authorities are eligible to apply but they are a low priority.
- Registered charities and other fully constituted organisations which cannot distribute a profit are eligible to apply.
- Commercial organisations can only apply for support if the equipment and/or minor works is primarily for the benefit of the public rather than their own commercial interests.
- If your organisation has a limited membership you must show that the equipment and / or minor works will benefit the wider public.
- Groups of organisations (consortia) working together to deliver specific projects may apply.
What You Cannot Apply for?
- Second-hand equipment without a warranty / guarantee.
- Equipment service costs
- Subscription costs
Who Cannot Apply?
- Individuals or sole traders
- Broadcasters (excluding community service broadcasters)
- Central Government Departments
- Bands seeking musical instruments (the Arts Council has a separate Musical Instruments for Bands programme.)
- Schools, Colleges and Universities
- Organisations who are in breach of the terms of previous ACNI grant awards.
For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.