Funding | D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21, Northern Ireland

The University of Atypical is opening a grants scheme to support D/deaf and disabled artists. The D/deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2020/21 is managed by the University of Atypical on behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department for Communities. The scheme aims to provide much needed financial support to D/deaf and disabled artists at a time when their potential to generate income has been seriously impacted by the closure of art galleries, theatres, music venues and other creative outlets due to Covid-19.

The scheme is only open to disabled/deaf artists. And the University of Atypical accepts self-definition rather than requesting medical evidence. University of Atypical recognise that people are more likely to hide disability than to pretend they are disabled to get ‘perks’. They use the Disability Discrimination Act definition because they need to comply with NI/ UK legislation.

If you have eligibility queries, please contact University of Atypical and they can supply a brochure from the NI Equality Commission on the definition of disability, including reference to progressive conditions, past disability, impairments helped by treatment or artificial aids, etc. In situations where disability status is unclear, we seek additional advice.

Some people worry that they are “not disabled enough”. Don’t worry about this: there is no hierarchy in types of impairment.

It does not matter if no-one knows you are disabled but they do need to publicise the names of grant winners and there is no question of keeping your grant a secret. If successful, you will sign a contract about publicity. The nature of your disability is not disclosed.

Please note: You must be ‘domiciled’ for tax purposes in Northern Ireland. This means you must have lived in Northern Ireland for a continuous period of 12 months prior to making the application.