Deadline: 30-Jul-2026
The Artists’ International Development Fund supports artists and creative organisations based in Northern Ireland to develop early-stage international collaborations and creative opportunities. The programme provides grants of £1,000 to £7,000 for activities that build international networks, support artistic development, and increase global visibility.
The fund is designed for emerging and practising artists with limited international experience who can demonstrate a clear opportunity for creative growth through overseas partnerships.
What Is the Artists’ International Development Fund?
The Artists’ International Development Fund (AIDF) provides financial support for artists and creative practitioners in Northern Ireland who want to develop international relationships and expand their professional practice.
The programme supports activities that help artists:
- Build international connections
- Collaborate with overseas partners
- Develop creative projects
- Gain international experience
- Strengthen professional recognition
The fund focuses on early-stage international development rather than established large-scale international programmes.
Main Objectives of the Fund
The programme aims to:
- Support creative excellence
- Encourage international collaboration
- Develop artistic careers
- Increase opportunities for Northern Ireland artists
- Strengthen the global profile of the creative sector
The fund helps artists create meaningful connections with international organisations, producers, and creative communities.
Funding Available
Applicants can request grants between:
£1,000 and £7,000
Funding is intended for small-scale international development activities.
Support may cover:
- Creative materials
- Artist fees
- Time spent developing work
- Production costs
- Post-Production costs
- Venue hire
- Rehearsal space
- Travel expenses
- Residency participation
- Limited technical equipment
Eligible Funding Activities
International Collaborations
Funding can support projects involving:
- Overseas artists
- International organisations
- Creative partners
- Cultural networks
Applicants should demonstrate how collaboration will contribute to their artistic development.
Residencies and Creative Exchanges
The fund may support international residencies.
Eligible residency support includes:
- Travel
- Participation costs
- Creative development activities
Residencies must generally have:
- A confirmed host organisation
- Clear artistic outcomes
Residency support is available for activities lasting up to four weeks.
Production and Presentation
Funding may support:
- Creating new work
- Preparing creative outputs
- Presenting work internationally
- Developing artistic projects
Travel and Networking
Eligible travel costs may include:
- Air travel
- Mileage
- Project-related transport
Travel should directly support international development goals.
Equipment Support
Technical equipment may be eligible in limited circumstances.
Restrictions apply:
- Equipment costs must remain within permitted limits
- Funding should support the international development activity
General equipment purchases are not the primary purpose of the fund.
Who Is Eligible?
The fund is open to:
- Individual artists
- Freelance creative practitioners
- Self-employed artists
- Curators
- Editors
- Creative producers
- Small creative groups
- Creative organisations
Applicants may work across different artistic disciplines.
Support for Emerging Artists
Emerging artists are particularly encouraged to apply.
An emerging artist is typically someone who:
- Is in the early stages of a professional career
- Has fewer than five years of practice
- Is developing recognition in their field
- Would benefit from international exposure
Practising Artists and Students
Artists who are also:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Higher education academics
may apply if:
- The project is separate from academic requirements
- The activity is not part of coursework or research
- Appropriate confirmation is provided where needed
Postgraduate applicants must clearly explain how the project differs from academic research.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A connection to Northern Ireland
- Recognition of their work locally
- Limited previous international experience
- Clear professional development goals
- An overseas partner or host interest
The proposed activity should create a realistic opportunity for international growth.
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop an International Project Idea
Applicants should identify:
- The international opportunity
- Creative objectives
- Expected outcomes
The project should clearly support artistic development.
Step 2: Confirm an Overseas Connection
Applicants should provide evidence of:
- Host organisation
- Partner interest
- Collaboration opportunity
International engagement should be meaningful rather than only travel-based.
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
The budget should include:
- Activity costs
- Travel expenses
- Artist fees
- Production costs
- Other eligible expenses
Costs should be realistic and connected to the project.
Step 4: Submit Supporting Information
Applications should explain:
- Artistic background
- Project purpose
- International benefit
- Future career impact
Ineligible Applications
Applicants cannot apply if they:
- Received an AIDF award in 2024/25 or 2025/26
- Are in breach of previous funding agreements
- Seek support for academic study costs
- Request tuition fee support
Academic research projects are not eligible unless clearly separate from professional creative development.
Why This Fund Matters
International experience can help artists:
- Expand audiences
- Build professional networks
- Access new creative environments
- Develop new approaches
- Improve career opportunities
The Artists’ International Development Fund helps Northern Ireland creatives connect with global artistic communities.
Common Application Mistakes and Tips
Applying Without a Clear International Partner
A strong international connection is essential.
Tip: Provide confirmation from overseas hosts or collaborators.
Treating the Grant as Travel Funding
The fund supports development, not tourism.
Tip: Explain the creative and professional outcomes.
Weak Career Development Goals
Applications should show long-term value.
Tip: Describe how the opportunity will influence future work.
Including Academic Projects
Study-related activities are generally not eligible.
Tip: Separate professional creative work from academic requirements.
Poor Budget Planning
Unclear costs weaken applications.
Tip: Link every expense directly to project activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Artists’ International Development Fund?
Artists and creative organisations based in Northern Ireland can apply, including curators, editors, and creative producers.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £1,000 to £7,000.
What does the fund support?
It supports international collaborations, residencies, creative development, production, travel, and networking activities.
Are emerging artists eligible?
Yes. The fund particularly encourages applications from early-career artists.
Can students apply?
Yes, if the project is separate from academic requirements and not part of their studies.
Is international experience required?
Applicants should have limited international experience and demonstrate a clear opportunity for development.
Can previous AIDF recipients apply?
Applicants who received AIDF funding in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 cycles are not eligible.
Conclusion
The Artists’ International Development Fund provides Northern Ireland artists with opportunities to build international relationships, develop creative practice, and strengthen their global presence.
By supporting early-stage international activity, the programme helps emerging and practising artists access new networks, audiences, and professional opportunities.
For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.