The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards (UK) – fundsforNGOs

The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards provides funding for individual artists and established music groups from Northern Ireland to travel internationally for professional development, artistic collaboration, and skills enhancement. The rolling programme supports travel to invited host organisations abroad, helping artists expand their expertise, build international networks, and advance their creative careers.

Applications are accepted throughout the year and must be submitted at least four weeks before the planned departure date. The programme is open to artists across all artistic disciplines, with particular encouragement for emerging artists, disabled artists, and artists from under-represented communities.

About the National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards

The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards, administered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, helps professional artists gain international experience through short-term travel opportunities.

The programme supports artists who have received an invitation from a host organisation outside Northern Ireland and wish to develop their artistic practice, strengthen professional skills, and build international collaborations.

By enabling international mobility, the programme contributes to the growth of Northern Ireland’s creative sector while promoting cultural exchange and professional networking.

Purpose of the Travel Awards

The Travel Awards are designed to help artists develop their careers through international learning and collaboration.

The programme aims to:

• Support professional artistic development.
• Enhance creative and technical skills.
• Encourage international collaboration.
• Expand professional networks.
• Build expertise through overseas opportunities.
• Strengthen the international profile of Northern Ireland artists.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports a wide range of artistic and professional development activities, including:

• International travel for artistic development.
• Professional skills enhancement.
• Creative research and expertise development.
• Collaboration with international organisations.
• Participation in artistic exchanges.
• Professional networking.
• Support for emerging artists.
• International opportunities for established music groups.
• Inclusion of technical staff, curators, and arts administrators in eligible cases.
• Equal access for artists from diverse communities.

Funding Timeline

The Travel Awards operate as a rolling funding programme, allowing applications throughout the year.

Important timelines include:

• Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the intended travel date.
• The proposed departure date must be within six months of submitting the application.
• The return journey must be completed within twelve months of the application date.

Applicants should plan their travel carefully to ensure they meet all programme deadlines.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to professional artists based in Northern Ireland working across all artistic disciplines.

Eligible applicants include:

• Individual professional artists.
• Established music groups with up to two members.
• Emerging artists.
• Artists working in any artistic discipline or creative practice.

In limited circumstances, the programme may also support:

• Technical staff.
• Curators.
• Arts administrators working with professional arts organisations.

Special Eligibility for Students and Academics

Practising artists who are also involved in higher education may still apply if the proposed travel is independent of their academic work.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Undergraduate students.
• Postgraduate students.
• Academics employed by universities or third-level institutions.

Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed project is separate from their academic responsibilities.

Requirements for Student and Academic Applicants

Applicants who are studying or employed in higher education must provide additional documentation.

These include:

• A letter from their Head of Department confirming the project is not connected to academic study or employment.
• For PhD candidates, a letter stating the title of the PhD thesis.
• A declaration confirming that the travel project is separate from academic assessment or research.
• A statement explaining how the proposed project differs from their Master’s or PhD research.

Support for Emerging Artists

The programme particularly encourages applications from emerging artists.

An emerging artist is generally someone who has:

• Practised professionally for fewer than five years.
• Recently begun developing a professional artistic career.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing artistic development.

The programme provides valuable opportunities for early-career artists to gain international experience and establish professional networks.

Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland encourages applications from individuals representing all groups protected under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Applications are particularly welcomed from:

• Disabled artists.
• Artists from the generally unionist community.

These groups are currently under-represented in programmes supporting individual artists, and the scheme aims to promote equal access to funding opportunities.

Host Organisation Requirement

Applicants must provide evidence that they have received an invitation from a host organisation in the country they intend to visit.

The invitation should demonstrate:

• The purpose of the visit.
• Planned activities.
• Professional relevance.
• The host organisation’s commitment to the collaboration.

Applications without evidence of a host invitation are unlikely to be considered.

Guidance for Music Groups

Established music groups with up to two members may apply through a single application.

Applications should include:

• The group’s name.
• A primary contact person.
• An artistic curriculum vitae covering the group as a whole.

This allows the programme to assess the group’s collective professional experience.

Alternative Funding for International Showcases

Artists, bands, and managers invited to perform at international showcase festivals or conferences in North America or Europe should apply through the International Showcase Fund (ISF) rather than the Travel Awards.

This includes invitations to events such as:

• SXSW.
• WOMEX.
• Folk Alliance International.
• Classical: NEXT.
• Jazzahead!

The ISF is delivered through a partnership involving the PRS for Music Foundation, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and Invest Northern Ireland.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a complete application demonstrating their artistic background and the value of the proposed international travel.

Review Eligibility

Before applying, applicants should confirm that they:

• Are eligible under the programme guidelines.
• Meet residency and professional requirements.
• Have received an invitation from a host organisation.

Prepare Supporting Documents

Applications should include:

• An artistic curriculum vitae (or detailed CV for eligible technical staff, curators, or arts administrators).
• Evidence of the host invitation.
• Additional academic documentation where required.
• Information about the proposed travel and expected outcomes.

Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted:

• At least four weeks before travel.
• Before the planned departure date.
• Within the programme’s rolling application period.

Why This Programme Matters

International experience plays an important role in developing artistic careers.

The Travel Awards help artists:

• Gain new creative perspectives.
• Learn from international experts.
• Develop professional skills.
• Build international partnerships.
• Represent Northern Ireland on global platforms.

The programme also contributes to the long-term development of the arts sector by strengthening international cultural connections.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain how the travel will advance their artistic career.
• Demonstrate the relevance of the host organisation.
• Provide a well-prepared artistic CV.
• Show clear professional development outcomes.
• Submit all required supporting documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying Without a Host Invitation

Evidence of an invitation from the host organisation is a mandatory requirement.

Missing Application Deadlines

Applications must be submitted at least four weeks before the planned departure.

Failing to Explain Professional Benefits

Applicants should clearly describe how the travel will enhance their artistic practice and career.

Submitting Incomplete Documentation

Ensure all required CVs, letters, declarations, and supporting documents are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards?

It is a funding programme that supports international travel for professional artistic development by individual artists and eligible music groups from Northern Ireland.

Who can apply?

Professional individual artists, established music groups of up to two members, and, in limited cases, technical staff, curators, and arts administrators.

Is the programme open throughout the year?

Yes. The Travel Awards operate as a rolling programme with applications accepted throughout the year.

Is an invitation from a host organisation required?

Yes. Applicants must provide evidence of an invitation from a host organisation in the destination country.

Can students apply?

Yes. Undergraduate and postgraduate students may apply if the project is separate from their academic studies and required documentation is provided.

Are emerging artists encouraged to apply?

Yes. The programme particularly welcomes applications from artists who have been practising professionally for fewer than five years.

What if I am invited to perform at an international showcase festival?

Artists invited to major showcase festivals such as SXSW or WOMEX should normally apply through the International Showcase Fund rather than the Travel Awards.

Conclusion

The National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme – Travel Awards offers valuable international travel funding for professional artists from Northern Ireland seeking to expand their skills, develop international collaborations, and strengthen their creative careers.

With year-round applications, support for artists across all disciplines, and a strong focus on professional development, the programme provides an excellent opportunity to gain international experience, build lasting artistic networks, and contribute to the continued growth of Northern Ireland’s creative sector.