Applications Open for Northern Ireland’s Arts and Older People Programme

Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 available

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, jointly with the Public Health Agency, has opened the Arts and Older People Programme for applications.

The programme offers grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 for projects using artistic activity to enhance the representation of older people and support positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. Eligible applicants include constituted community and voluntary groups working locally to support older people, as well as non-governmental organisations, Local Authorities and arts organisations.

Applicants must be able to show strong partnership working, including with care homes, carers and dementia groups. Partnerships may be led by age sector providers, arts organisations or Local Authorities, with additional specialists who work with older people included as named partners where relevant.

Projects must address one or more strategic themes: isolation and loneliness, social inclusion, poverty, health issues and dementia including mental health and emotional wellbeing, or strengthening the voice of older people.