The D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21

The University of Atypical is opening a grants scheme to support D/deaf and disabled artists.  The D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21 is managed by the University of Atypical on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities.  The scheme aims to provide much needed financial support to D/deaf and disabled artists at a time when their potential to generate income has been seriously impacted by the closure of art galleries, theatres, music venues and other creative outlets due to Covid-19.

Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council Northern Ireland said, “The opening of the D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund is welcome news and we thank the Minister for making these funds available.  The programme is designed to support those D/deaf and Disabled artists who were left struggling with serious financial hardships since their livelihoods disappeared practically overnight as a result of the pandemic. The fund provides critically-needed support to artists in the creation of new work and will help to bridge the gap over the coming months until the Executive has an opportunity to consider and agree a more comprehensive, long-term government support package for arts, culture and heritage in Northern Ireland.”                     

The D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21 offers grants of £2,000 in two strands:

Visual Arts and Crafts Commissions

This strand of the scheme will commission artworks or craftworks from twelve visual arts and craft practitioners.  Commissioned work will be made available for exhibition in public spaces including special educational needs sector schools, libraries and disability organisations.

Career Development Grants

This strand of the scheme is open to practitioners in artforms other than visual arts and craft e.g. dance, music, drama.  Thirty-five grants will be awarded.   Grants will support D/deaf and Disabled Artists and performers to buy time to create, purchase equipment / materials, and access mentoring/ training to enhance professional practice and career development.

Damien Coyle, CEO of the University of Atypical, commented “We thank the Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín, the Department for Communities, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their generous and timely investment in D/deaf and disabled artists and in the future of the sector.  This awards scheme will offer a lifeline to D/deaf and disabled artists who are struggling for financial survival.  This support underpins the developmental role University of Atypical plays in promoting the work created by D/deaf and Disabled Artists and facilitating career enhancement opportunities”.

Information, application packs, and advice clinic registration forms are available from the following link:

Application pack HERE

Book Advice Session HERE