Eight groups in Mid Ulster benefit from National Lottery arts funding
Eight organisations in the Mid Ulster area are to receive funding from the fifth round of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland's Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP).
They include - Aughadarragh Parent Support Association which will receive £3,470, Ballinascreen Community Forum £7,575, Bardic Theatre, £10,000, Carntogher Community Assocation, £8,067, Craic, £7,220, Jazzlife Alliance, £9,725, NIRWN (NI Rural Women's Network) £9,095, and Order of Mary Servite Trust - Benburb Library and Museum, £8,500.
Fifty-five community groups and arts organisations in rural communities across Northern Ireland will share in funding totalling £460,000.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Research demonstrates that taking part in arts activities brings people and communities closer together, raises self-esteem, boosts confidence and motivation, as well as alleviates isolation and loneliness. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted today to announce £460,000 of National Lottery funding to support NI’s rural communities.
"The National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme has been making positive impacts in NI’s rural communities by increasing opportunities for people to engage and participate in meaningful arts activities, enriching their lives for the better.
"Thanks to The National Lottery players, this game-changing funding has supported 239 rural arts projects with total National Lottery funding of £1,699,622 since its establishment in 2022. This vital funding enables artists and arts organisations to increase access to the arts across society and deliver great art that is within everyone’s reach, helping to build healthy, integrated communities.”
REAP funding has been offered to organisations located in Local Authority Areas, with particular focus in some of Northern Ireland’s most rural areas.