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NI Artists Face Funding Gap for Audio Dramas
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Audio drama funding is absent from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
- Creatives argue this lack of support hinders working-class artists.
- Northern Ireland may be the only UK Arts Council not funding audio drama.
Artists in Northern Ireland are expressing concern over the absence of funding for audio dramas, which they claim creates barriers for working-class creatives. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) does not currently provide funding for this art form, leading many artists to feel it is inaccessible.
Several creators, including Amelia Price and Max Blair, believe that audio dramas offer a more democratized entry point into the arts for those from less privileged backgrounds. They point out that Northern Ireland might be the sole UK Arts Council not supporting audio dramas, despite its growing industry and nominations for national awards.
While the ACNI states they have received inquiries but no recent applications, artists express a lack of understanding from the council regarding the medium's needs. Experts suggest limited funding pots and a potential focus on sectors with no other support, though they acknowledge the merit and accessibility of audio drama production.
