Arts Council of Northern Ireland Travel Awards for Artists

The National Lottery Travel Awards from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland help individual artists travel from Northern Ireland to develop their skills and expertise. They are part of the Support for Individual Artists Programme, funded by the National Lottery. You must have an invitation from a host organisation in the country you plan to visit. The programme is rolling: there is no fixed deadline, but applications must arrive at least four weeks before you travel.

The Arts Council particularly welcomes applications from emerging artists, disabled artists and artists from communities that are under-represented in its programmes for individuals.

How the Timing Works

• Apply at least four weeks before your departure
• Your departure must be within six months of applying
• Your return must be within 12 months of applying

You can book your travel after applying, but at your own risk: if the application is rejected, the Arts Council will not cover the cost. If you book before applying, your application is ineligible.

Who Can Apply for the Travel Awards?

• Artists of all disciplines and types of practice
• Music groups of up to two members, applying once as a group
• In some cases, technical staff, curators and arts administrators working for arts organisations

You must be at least 18 and not in secondary education, and you must have contributed to artistic activity in Northern Ireland for at least one year in the past five. Students and academics can apply, but if the trip relates to their studies or job, they must show that the costs are not their institution's responsibility, with a letter from their head of department.

Emerging Artists

The Arts Council defines an emerging artist as someone in the early stage of a professional career, who has practised professionally for less than five years and is still developing their voice and reputation. Emerging artists are particularly encouraged to apply.

What You Need

• An invitation from a host organisation in the destination country
• An artistic CV, or a detailed CV for staff and curators
• Examples of your work, except for staff and curators
• Your travel costs: if your destination is not in the guidance notes, list the costs and the Arts Council will consider them case by case

Travel from Northern Ireland via Dublin is allowed when it is cheaper.

Not for Showcase Festivals

Artists and bands invited to international showcase festivals or conferences in North America or Europe, such as SXSW or WOMEX, should apply to the International Showcase Fund instead.

How to Apply

The Arts Council is moving to a new application portal, so first-time users need to create an account. Guidance on creating an account is on the programme page. Applications can be saved and edited until you submit them.

Planning Your Trip

Start the application as soon as you have the invitation in writing, as the four-week rule leaves little room near your departure date. Ask your host to describe the invitation clearly: what you will do, the dates, and what the host provides, such as accommodation or a fee. List all your costs, including flights, local transport and visas, and say which costs others are covering. Check the guidance notes for the rates the Arts Council uses for different destinations, and keep receipts for everything.

Things to Consider

• Invitation from a host required.
• Four weeks' notice at least.
• Northern Ireland connection needed.
• Rolling programme.

Apply for an Award

Invited to work abroad?

Apply for a Travel Award

Guidance notes and the application portal are on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website.

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Last verified: November 4, 2026