For almost 40 years, the Arts & Business NI Investment Programme has been igniting powerful partnerships between cultural and commercial organisations, bringing creativity into the heart of business and unlocking vital investment for the arts.

This pioneering initiative empowers organisations to build ambitious, long-term collaborations that reach new audiences, strengthen community connections, and deliver world-class cultural experiences. By championing innovation and supporting business partnership, the Investment Programme ensures creativity continues to thrive across Northern Ireland.

Each year, the programme invests £110,000 in match-funding to bring exciting creative projects to life, funded by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland. In its latest round, the Arts & Business NI Investment Programme is delighted to invest in the following partnerships:

2026-27 Investment Programme Awards – Round 1

• Down Community Arts & Translink
  Funding will support creative engagement with children in the community surrounding Downpatrick bus station, culminating in the development of a children’s book for local and wider distribution.
• Eastside Arts & Portview Trade Centre
  Investment will enable a programme of community-led arts activities designed to widen access and participation for local residents.
• Hit the North & Beannchor
  Investment Programme support will facilitate the commissioning of two major new artworks at Crown Entry in Belfast, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
• Millennium Forum & Craft Training
  Funding will support StageCraft in Motion, including the design and construction of a portable stage by apprentices for a youth production of Evita.

Brona Whittaker, Chief Executive of Arts & Business NI said:

“This is what collaboration looks like at its best. It’s about backing imagination, building relationships, and seeing what’s possible when we invest in creativity together. We’re proud to support arts partnerships that bring fresh ideas to life and create meaningful connections with people across Northern Ireland. We can’t wait to see these creative projects come to life over the coming weeks and months. Our Investment Programme is designed to provide that early spark, helping partnerships between culture and commerce get off the ground and achieve more together. There are three more rounds opening this year and the next deadline for applications is 29 May 2026. If you have a creative collaboration in the works, get in touch.”

For more information about the Arts & Business NI Investment Programme visit > https://artsandbusinessni.org.uk/funding/investment-fund-programme/