Twelve arts and cultural organisations in Northern Ireland have entered the second phase of the Arts & Business NI Blueprint programme. This stage involves putting long-term business plans and financial sustainability efforts into action. The Department for Communities and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland provided £320,000 for this support.

The Blueprint programme started in 2022 to build commercial skills in the arts sector. It seeks to shift organisations from short-term projects to stable multi-year operations. Investments through the programme now exceed £700,000 in the Northern Ireland arts field. Participants gain space to trial new income sources and adjust their structures.

Bruiser Theatre Company plans to hire a development manager, extend its tours and launch a schools programme for steady revenue. Open Arts NI, which supports disabled people, aims to promote its commercial offerings and seek donations, sponsorships and contracts. Dylan Quinn Dance in Enniskillen is rebranding and reorganising its setup. Millennium Court in Portadown targets upgrades to its site for broader community use.

Sarah Jones, Blueprint Programme Manager at Arts & Business NI, said the initiative offers practical help for organisations to adjust and succeed amid economic pressures. She highlighted gains in financial confidence, resilience and income variety. Gilly Campbell, Director of Arts Development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said the funds enable strategic growth and strengthening of the sector.

Emer Morelli, Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Communities, indicated the department views the Blueprint approach as suitable for expansion to additional sectors.