Rural art projects in Northern Ireland get £1.5m boost

Community groups, arts organisations and local authorities in rural communities across Northern Ireland will be able to access financial support for arts projects following the launch of a new fund. 

Arts Council Northern Ireland (ACNI) said the new Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) aims to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities as they emerge from the global Covid-19 pandemic. 

The overarching theme of the programme, which has a budget of £1.5m to be distributed over three years, is to tackle isolation and loneliness, and promote social inclusion and wellbeing. 

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ACNI is keen for the fund to build on the success of previous rural projects. 

Heart of The Sperrins, developed by Derry City and Strabane District Council and funded through the ACNI’s National Lottery-supported Arts and Older People Programme, brought together a number of isolated, older residents living near the rural village of Lettershandoney.

Over a six-week period they worked with a professional artist using ceramics and clay cottages. 

And in Draperstown, arts organisation Glasgowbury has previously run the Heart of the Community programme, offering free workshops to young people in their local community in DJing, electronic music production, samba drumming, photography, podcasting, pottery and sewing. 

The group workshops aimed to reduce social isolation through participation in arts and creativity.

Meaningful activities

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of Arts Council Northern Ireland said taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, boost confidence and motivation, as well as alleviate isolation and loneliness.  

"The pandemic and the resulting lockdowns across the UK have taken a toll on individual lives, with mental health and wellbeing adversely affected as families and friends were separated for sustained periods of time, especially intergenerational. 

"This has been particularly compounded in rural communities which are characterised by smaller and more dispersed populations.

“This programme will increase opportunities for people living in rural communities to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better."  

During the development stages of the programme ACNI liaised with local authorities to ensure funding information will be widely disseminated to communities that could benefit.

Applications for grants of up to £10,000 are available to deliver arts projects benefitting rurally-based communities. The closing date for applications is Thursday 28 July.