Over 160 Northern Irish Artists Receive £1 Million in Funding

More than 160 artists in Northern Ireland will receive a significant boost to their careers thanks to funding exceeding £1 million. This financial support is part of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s National Lottery Project Funding for Individual Artists (PFIA) scheme, aimed at nurturing talent across various art forms. The grants will assist artists at different career stages, including those just starting out, in pursuing innovative and experimental projects.

Patricia Cowan, an aerialist artist, will utilize £9,323 to develop an acrobatic piece titled Bound by Borders: A Northern Irish Rope Journey by ‘Woven’. Meanwhile, Fermanagh writer Sheila Llewellyn has been awarded £6,000 to compose a new novel. Brona McVittie, a singer-songwriter from Newry, will receive £6,809 for her book A Way With The Fairies, set for release in spring 2026, which will be accompanied by an album, Supernatural.

Other notable artists benefiting from this funding include Yaroslava Navrotska, who will receive £3,623 for two new acts, and Aoife Boyle (known as Reevah), who has been awarded £9,000 to work on her second album. Additionally, Belfast writer Paul McVeigh will receive £9,000 to develop a collection of stories titled I Feel You.

Supporting Artistic Growth in Northern Ireland

Noirin McKinney, the director of arts development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is thrilled to announce more than £1 million in funding for 162 exceptional artists based in Northern Ireland, through our National Lottery Project Funding for Individual Artists scheme,” she stated.

She emphasized that these grants, which can reach up to £10,000 each, equip artists with essential resources to elevate their professional journeys. The program not only fosters innovation and experimentation but also addresses the ongoing need for skill development and training within the arts sector in Northern Ireland. “We are excited to see their projects develop in the year ahead,” McKinney added.

This funding initiative highlights the Arts Council’s commitment to enhancing the cultural landscape of Northern Ireland. By investing in individual artists, the council aims to create a thriving environment that encourages creativity and artistic expression.

As these projects unfold, they promise to enrich the artistic community and engage audiences across the region. The diverse range of funded works showcases the vibrant talent present in Northern Ireland, ensuring that the arts continue to flourish in the years to come.