Deadline: 30-Jul-2026
The Artists’ International Development Fund supports early-stage international opportunities for artists and creative organisations based in Northern Ireland. The programme provides grants of £1,000 to £7,000 to help artists build international networks, collaborate with overseas partners, and develop their global artistic profile.
The fund is designed for artists with limited international experience who want to explore new creative partnerships, residencies, presentations, and international audiences.
What Is the Artists’ International Development Fund?
The Artists’ International Development Fund is a grant programme that supports artists and creative organisations in Northern Ireland to begin or expand international activity.
The fund helps emerging international projects by providing financial support for:
- Creative collaborations
- International residencies
- Artistic exchanges
- Overseas presentations
- Professional development opportunities
The programme focuses on strengthening Northern Ireland’s presence in the international arts sector.
Main Objectives of the Fund
The fund aims to:
- Support early-stage international development
- Create links between Northern Ireland artists and global partners
- Encourage artistic excellence
- Increase international visibility
- Build sustainable creative networks
The programme helps artists develop confidence and experience in international environments.
Key Focus Areas
International Collaboration
The fund supports artists developing relationships with:
- Overseas artists
- Creative organisations
- Producers
- Cultural institutions
Applicants should demonstrate interest or involvement from an international partner or host.
Talent Development
The programme supports artists who have already gained recognition in Northern Ireland and want to develop their careers internationally.
Support may help artists:
- Expand professional networks
- Reach new audiences
- Gain international experience
- Strengthen artistic practice
Creative Exchange and Learning
Projects may include opportunities such as:
- International residencies
- Workshops
- Artistic exchanges
- Collaborative projects
The focus is on learning, experimentation, and professional growth.
Who Is Eligible?
The fund is open to:
- Individual artists
- Freelance practitioners
- Self-employed creative professionals
- Small groups of collaborating artists
- Organisations undertaking small-scale international activity
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be based in Northern Ireland
- Have limited international experience
- Demonstrate recognition of their work locally
- Show potential for international development
- Have an overseas partner or host connection
Small Groups and Collaborations
Groups of artists can apply if they can demonstrate:
- An established collaboration
- A clear shared artistic purpose
- Previous experience working together
Groups without a history of collaboration may not be eligible.
Funding Amount
Grant range:
£1,000 to £7,000
Funding is provided for project-based international development activities.
The award amount depends on:
- Project scope
- Costs involved
- International opportunity
- Artistic value
Eligible Costs
Funding can support costs directly connected to international development activity.
Art Materials
Support may cover:
- Creative materials
- Production resources
- Project-specific supplies
Artist Time and Fees
Funding may contribute towards:
- Artist fees
- Time spent delivering the activity
- Creative development work
Residencies and International Opportunities
Eligible costs may include:
- Residency expenses
- Travel costs
- Participation costs
Residency support usually requires:
- Official invitation
- Host organisation involvement
Production and Presentation Costs
Funding may support:
- Artistic fees
- Technical costs
- Post-production
- Exhibition preparation
- Public presentation
Venue and Space Costs
Support may cover:
- Venue hire
- Studio space
- Rehearsal space
Travel Costs
Eligible travel costs may include:
- Mileage
- Air travel
- Project-related transport
Equipment Support
Equipment costs may be eligible.
However:
- Equipment cannot exceed half of the total funding request
Limited IT support is available.
Maximum limits include:
- Laptop or PC: £1,200
- Tablet device: £500
Ineligible Applicants
Some applicants cannot receive funding.
This includes:
- Applicants who received Artists’ International Development Fund support in 2024/25 or 2025/26
- Applicants with unresolved previous funding issues
- Groups without established collaboration history
How to Apply
Step 1: Identify an International Opportunity
Applicants should define:
- The country or partner involved
- The artistic activity planned
- The expected development outcomes
Step 2: Confirm Overseas Interest
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Invitation
- Partnership discussion
- Host support
- Collaboration interest
Step 3: Prepare a Project Plan
The application should explain:
- Artistic objectives
- International relevance
- Activities planned
- Expected impact
Step 4: Prepare a Budget
Applicants should include:
- Travel costs
- Artist fees
- Materials
- Production costs
- Other project expenses
Step 5: Submit Application
Applications should clearly show how funding will support international artistic development.
Why This Fund Matters
International opportunities can help artists:
The Artists’ International Development Fund helps Northern Ireland creatives take early steps into international arts networks.
The programme supports long-term cultural exchange and strengthens the region’s creative reputation worldwide.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
No Clear International Benefit
Projects should show why international involvement matters.
Tip: Explain how the opportunity will improve artistic development.
Weak Partner Evidence
Applications need proof of international engagement.
Tip: Include invitations, confirmations, or partnership discussions.
Unrealistic Budgets
Budgets should match the project scope.
Tip: Provide realistic cost estimates and explain major expenses.
Applying Without Development Goals
The fund is focused on growth.
Tip: Show how the activity supports your future career or organisation.
Requesting Too Much Equipment Funding
Equipment support has limits.
Tip: Ensure equipment costs remain within eligible proportions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Artists’ International Development Fund?
Individual artists, freelancers, small artist groups, and organisations based in Northern Ireland can apply.
How much funding is available?
Applicants can request between £1,000 and £7,000.
Is the fund only for experienced international artists?
No. It is specifically designed for artists with limited international experience.
Do applicants need an overseas partner?
Yes. Applicants must show interest or engagement from an overseas partner or host.
What activities can be funded?
The fund supports international collaborations, residencies, presentations, production, travel, and creative development.
Can equipment be purchased?
Limited equipment support is available, but equipment costs cannot exceed half of the total funding request.
Can previous fund recipients apply?
Applicants who received support in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 rounds are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Artists’ International Development Fund creates opportunities for Northern Ireland artists to develop international careers through collaboration, exchange, and creative innovation.
By supporting early-stage global opportunities, the programme helps artists build networks, strengthen artistic practice, and increase Northern Ireland’s presence in the international creative sector.
For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.