Improving relationships between and within communities and building a shared and better future for everyone, is a vital element of the Arts Council’s vision, which is to place the arts at the heart of life in Northern Ireland. That vision applies to everyone. It is absolutely inclusive and means ensuring that everyone living here - regardless of social, economic, community or ethnic background - has the opportunity to access and engage fully with the arts, and enjoy the many benefits of doing so.
As part of its Intercultural Arts Strategy, this 3-year Intercultural Arts Grants programme, launched in May 2012, aims to provide opportunities for minority ethnic communities across Northern Ireland to access the arts; and use artistic activities as a creative vehicle in which to explore and highlight social issues that impede access and participation in the arts.
Projects for this programme will be targeted, locally tailored and informed by the social issues identified within the strategy. Projects will demonstrate clear linkage with the key strategic themes of the programme.