Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme supports established artists in Northern Ireland who have achieved national or international recognition and want to develop ambitious creative projects. The programme provides grants of up to £15,000 to support artistic development, research, new work creation, residencies, production costs, and other project-related expenses.
For the 2026/27 funding cycle, four awards are available. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements, including prior consultation with the relevant artform officer by 10 July 2026 and a proven track record of artistic achievement.
What Is the Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme?
The Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme is a competitive funding programme designed to help established artists undertake significant creative projects that contribute to their artistic development and result in a major artistic outcome.
The scheme supports artists who are ready to pursue ambitious projects that may involve:
- Creating new artistic work
- Undertaking specialist research
- Developing professional artistic practice
- Participating in artist residencies
- Producing large-scale creative projects
- Exploring innovative artistic approaches
The award aims to provide artists with the resources and time needed to advance their careers and deliver meaningful artistic achievements.
Funding Overview
Award Value
Successful applicants can receive:
- Up to £15,000 per award
Number of Awards Available
For the 2026/27 funding cycle:
- Four awards are available
Funding Period
Projects must take place within the programme’s approved timeframe. Applications proposing activities outside the eligible project period may be considered ineligible.
What Can the Funding Be Used For?
The scheme supports a wide range of artistic and project-related costs.
Artistic Development and Research
Funding may support:
- Extended creative projects
- Specialist artistic research
- Personal artistic development
- Creation of new artistic work
- Professional development opportunities
Artistic Production Costs
Eligible expenses may include:
- Art materials and supplies
- Creative production costs
- Artistic experimentation and development
- Project-specific resources
Artist Time
Applicants may include costs for:
- Time spent developing work
- Research activities
- Creative planning
- Artistic production
Residencies
Funding may support artist residencies where:
- The residency is directly linked to the project
- Confirmation from the host organization is provided
Technical and Professional Fees
Eligible costs include:
- Technical support
- Production assistance
- Specialist professional services
- Fees related to creating or presenting artistic work
Venue and Space Hire
Funding may cover:
- Studio hire
- Rehearsal spaces
- Workshop venues
- Creative development spaces
Travel Expenses
Eligible travel costs may include:
- Mileage expenses
- Public transport
- Air travel
- Project-related accommodation where applicable
Equipment Contributions
Limited funding may be requested for:
- Technical equipment
- Digital equipment
- Computers
- Tablets
However, equipment requests must not exceed 50% of the total funding request.
Specific funding caps may apply to computer and tablet purchases.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Eligible Artists
Applicants must:
- Be established artists in any artistic discipline
- Have achieved national or international recognition
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be enrolled in secondary education
- Reside in Northern Ireland
- Have contributed to artistic activity in Northern Ireland for at least three of the previous five years
Artists Working in Higher Education
Practicing artists who are also:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Academic staff members
may apply if:
- The proposed project is separate from academic study
- Costs are not linked to assessed coursework
- Activities are not part of employment responsibilities
- Funding is not used to support teaching-related duties
Previous Funding Restrictions
Applicants must:
- Not have previously received a Major Individual Artist Award
- Not be in breach of any previous funding agreement
Mandatory Requirement Before Applying
A key requirement of this scheme is consultation with the relevant artform officer.
Required Consultation
Applicants must discuss their proposal with the appropriate artform officer before submitting an application.
Consultation Deadline
The consultation must be completed by:
10 July 2026
Applications submitted without evidence of this prior discussion will not be considered eligible.
Why This Award Matters
The Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme provides substantial support for artists who have already demonstrated professional success and are ready to undertake significant creative work.
The programme helps artists:
- Advance their careers
- Develop ambitious projects
- Undertake meaningful research
- Produce major new work
- Access specialist resources
- Increase national and international visibility
By investing in established artists, the scheme contributes to the growth and recognition of the arts sector in Northern Ireland.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review all eligibility criteria and ensure you meet the residency, recognition, and professional practice requirements.
Step 2: Contact the Relevant Artform Officer
Arrange and complete a discussion with the appropriate artform officer before 10 July 2026.
This step is mandatory.
Step 3: Develop Your Project Proposal
Prepare a clear project plan that explains:
- Artistic goals
- Creative outcomes
- Research activities
- Development opportunities
- Expected artistic impact
Step 4: Prepare a Detailed Budget
Include all eligible costs and ensure any equipment requests remain below the permitted threshold.
Step 5: Gather Supporting Documentation
Collect all required documents, confirmations, and supporting evidence before submission.
Step 6: Complete the Application Form
Use the correct application templates and complete all required sections.
Step 7: Submit Before the Deadline
Check that all links, attachments, and supporting materials are accessible and correctly uploaded.
Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected
Applications may be deemed ineligible for several reasons.
Failure to Contact an Artform Officer
This is one of the most important eligibility requirements.
Missing Supporting Documents
Incomplete applications may not proceed to assessment.
Incorrect Templates
Using outdated or incorrect application forms can result in disqualification.
Inaccessible Submission Links
Reviewers must be able to access all submitted materials.
Previous Major Award Recipients Applying Again
Artists who have already received a Major Individual Artist Award are not eligible.
Breach of Previous Funding Agreements
Applicants with unresolved issues from earlier funding awards may be excluded.
Ineligible Project Timelines
Projects falling outside the programme period may not qualify.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate national or international recognition.
- Explain why the project is ambitious and significant.
- Show how the work will contribute to your artistic development.
- Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
- Include strong evidence supporting the project’s value.
- Ensure all documentation is complete before submission.
- Contact the relevant artform officer well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can artists receive?
Successful applicants can receive up to £15,000 for an approved project.
How many awards are available in 2026/27?
Four awards will be offered during the 2026/27 funding cycle.
Can students apply?
Yes. Undergraduate and postgraduate students who are practicing artists may apply if the project is separate from their assessed studies.
Can university lecturers or academic staff apply?
Yes. Academic staff may apply if the project is not part of their employment duties or teaching responsibilities.
Is contacting an artform officer mandatory?
Yes. Applicants must discuss their proposal with the relevant artform officer before 10 July 2026.
Can funding be used to buy equipment?
Yes. Limited contributions toward technical and IT equipment are allowed, but equipment costs cannot exceed 50% of the total funding request.
Can previous recipients apply again?
No. Artists who have previously received a Major Individual Artist Award are not eligible.
Key Takeaways
- The Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme supports established artists with national or international recognition.
- Grants of up to £15,000 are available.
- Four awards will be offered in the 2026/27 funding cycle.
- Funding can support artistic development, research, new work creation, residencies, travel, production, and technical costs.
- Applicants must reside in Northern Ireland and have contributed to artistic activity there for at least three of the last five years.
- Consultation with the relevant artform officer by 10 July 2026 is mandatory.
- Previous recipients of the award are not eligible to apply again.
Conclusion
The Major Individual Artist Awards Scheme offers a valuable opportunity for established artists in Northern Ireland to undertake ambitious creative projects and advance their professional practice. With funding of up to £15,000 available, the programme supports artistic research, development, production, and innovation while helping artists achieve significant creative outcomes. Applicants should carefully review eligibility requirements, complete the mandatory consultation process, and submit a well-prepared proposal that demonstrates artistic excellence and long-term impact.
For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.