RFAs: National Lottery Artists’ International Development Fund – Individual (UK) – fundsforNGOs

Deadline: 30-Jul-2026

The Artists’ International Development Fund supports artists and creative organisations based in Northern Ireland to develop early-stage international collaborations and creative opportunities. The programme provides grants of £1,000 to £7,000 for activities that build international networks, support artistic development, and increase global visibility.

The fund is designed for emerging and practising artists with limited international experience who can demonstrate a clear opportunity for creative growth through overseas partnerships.

What Is the Artists’ International Development Fund?

The Artists’ International Development Fund (AIDF) provides financial support for artists and creative practitioners in Northern Ireland who want to develop international relationships and expand their professional practice.

The programme supports activities that help artists:

• Build international connections
• Collaborate with overseas partners
• Develop creative projects
• Gain international experience
• Strengthen professional recognition

The fund focuses on early-stage international development rather than established large-scale international programmes.

Main Objectives of the Fund

The programme aims to:

• Support creative excellence
• Encourage international collaboration
• Develop artistic careers
• Increase opportunities for Northern Ireland artists
• Strengthen the global profile of the creative sector

The fund helps artists create meaningful connections with international organisations, producers, and creative communities.

Funding Available

Applicants can request grants between:

£1,000 and £7,000

Funding is intended for small-scale international development activities.

Support may cover:

• Creative materials
• Artist fees
• Time spent developing work
• Production costs
• Post-Production costs
• Venue hire
• Rehearsal space
• Travel expenses
• Residency participation
• Limited technical equipment

Eligible Funding Activities

International Collaborations

Funding can support projects involving:

• Overseas artists
• International organisations
• Creative partners
• Cultural networks

Applicants should demonstrate how collaboration will contribute to their artistic development.

Residencies and Creative Exchanges

The fund may support international residencies.

Eligible residency support includes:

• Travel
• Participation costs
• Creative development activities

Residencies must generally have:

• A confirmed host organisation
• Clear artistic outcomes

Residency support is available for activities lasting up to four weeks.

Production and Presentation

Funding may support:

• Creating new work
• Preparing creative outputs
• Presenting work internationally
• Developing artistic projects

Travel and Networking

Eligible travel costs may include:

Travel should directly support international development goals.

Equipment Support

Technical equipment may be eligible in limited circumstances.

Restrictions apply:

• Equipment costs must remain within permitted limits
• Funding should support the international development activity

General equipment purchases are not the primary purpose of the fund.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund is open to:

• Individual artists
• Freelance creative practitioners
• Self-employed artists
• Curators
• Editors
• Creative producers
• Small creative groups
• Creative organisations

Applicants may work across different artistic disciplines.

Support for Emerging Artists

Emerging artists are particularly encouraged to apply.

An emerging artist is typically someone who:

• Is in the early stages of a professional career
• Has fewer than five years of practice
• Is developing recognition in their field
• Would benefit from international exposure

Practising Artists and Students

Artists who are also:

• Undergraduate students
• Postgraduate students
• Higher education academics

may apply if:

• The project is separate from academic requirements
• The activity is not part of coursework or research
• Appropriate confirmation is provided where needed

Postgraduate applicants must clearly explain how the project differs from academic research.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A connection to Northern Ireland
• Recognition of their work locally
• Limited previous international experience
• Clear professional development goals
• An overseas partner or host interest

The proposed activity should create a realistic opportunity for international growth.

How to Apply

Step 1: Develop an International Project Idea

Applicants should identify:

• The international opportunity
• Creative objectives
• Expected outcomes

The project should clearly support artistic development.

Step 2: Confirm an Overseas Connection

Applicants should provide evidence of:

• Host organisation
• Partner interest
• Collaboration opportunity

International engagement should be meaningful rather than only travel-based.

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

The budget should include:

• Activity costs
• Travel expenses
• Artist fees
• Production costs
• Other eligible expenses

Costs should be realistic and connected to the project.

Step 4: Submit Supporting Information

Applications should explain:

• Artistic background
• Project purpose
• International benefit
• Future career impact

Ineligible Applications

Applicants cannot apply if they:

• Received an AIDF award in 2024/25 or 2025/26
• Are in breach of previous funding agreements
• Seek support for academic study costs
• Request tuition fee support

Academic research projects are not eligible unless clearly separate from professional creative development.

Why This Fund Matters

International experience can help artists:

• Expand audiences
• Build professional networks
• Access new creative environments
• Develop new approaches
• Improve career opportunities

The Artists’ International Development Fund helps Northern Ireland creatives connect with global artistic communities.

Common Application Mistakes and Tips

Applying Without a Clear International Partner

A strong international connection is essential.

Tip: Provide confirmation from overseas hosts or collaborators.

Treating the Grant as Travel Funding

The fund supports development, not tourism.

Tip: Explain the creative and professional outcomes.

Weak Career Development Goals

Applications should show long-term value.

Tip: Describe how the opportunity will influence future work.

Including Academic Projects

Study-related activities are generally not eligible.

Tip: Separate professional creative work from academic requirements.

Poor Budget Planning

Unclear costs weaken applications.

Tip: Link every expense directly to project activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Artists’ International Development Fund?

Artists and creative organisations based in Northern Ireland can apply, including curators, editors, and creative producers.

How much funding is available?

Grants range from £1,000 to £7,000.

What does the fund support?

It supports international collaborations, residencies, creative development, production, travel, and networking activities.

Are emerging artists eligible?

Yes. The fund particularly encourages applications from early-career artists.

Can students apply?

Yes, if the project is separate from academic requirements and not part of their studies.

Is international experience required?

Applicants should have limited international experience and demonstrate a clear opportunity for development.

Can previous AIDF recipients apply?

Applicants who received AIDF funding in the 2024/25 or 2025/26 cycles are not eligible.

Conclusion

The Artists’ International Development Fund provides Northern Ireland artists with opportunities to build international relationships, develop creative practice, and strengthen their global presence.

By supporting early-stage international activity, the programme helps emerging and practising artists access new networks, audiences, and professional opportunities.

For more information, visit Arts Council of Northern Ireland.