Bank launches Begin Together Arts Fund

The fund will distribute a total of £840,000 between 2020 and 2022 and is designed to support artists and arts projects across the island of Ireland.

The Arts Fund will support or commission artists and arts organisations to develop arts projects, enhancing the wellbeing of the participants, audiences and communities involved. All art forms are eligible and the aim is for the projects to benefit a range of audiences. The fund will also support arts projects that are inspired by, in response to or have been adapted due to COVID-19.

Francesca McDonagh, group chief executive, Bank of Ireland said, “Our wellbeing as a country depends on our rich culture and heritage continuing to thrive.

“Through this fund we are building on Bank of Ireland’s long history of supporting the arts. There is no better time than when artists, like communities across the island, are struggling in the face of the pandemic.

“This programme is part of our wider contribution to helping the recovery of communities and businesses across Ireland.”

Mary Trainor-Nagele, chief executive, Arts & Business Northern Ireland added, “Arts & Business NI wishes to thank Bank of Ireland and Business to Arts for creating this new arts fund, and are pleased to partner with both organisations to utilise the investment in Northern Ireland.

“The fund is a reflection of the value businesses place on having a vibrant arts and cultural sector.”

The Begin Together Arts Fund, is a new strand of the Bank of Ireland Begin Together programme and brings the Bank’s community investment to £2.5million.

The fund will provide fees to artists or groups of artists to create new work and help maximise the budgets of partner organisations for their programme of activity. Artists or groups of artists applying must work with a partner organisation.

Find out more at www.businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/bank-of-ireland