Belfast City Council has launched the Belfast Stories Community and Creative Grants Programme, a £250,000 initiative aimed at supporting story-based projects across the city. The programme offers ten small grants of up to £10,000 and five larger creative project grants of up to £30,000, encouraging community and cultural organisations to explore cultural identity, heritage, and creativity through storytelling. Applications opened on 19 February 2026 and will close on 14 April 2026, with projects expected to run between June 2026 and March 2027.
The grants are part of the wider Belfast Stories project, a flagship tourism and regeneration initiative under the Belfast Region City Deal. Set within the Art Deco former Bank of Ireland building and the surrounding 5,000 square metre site at Royal Avenue and North Street, the multi-purpose destination is designed as a public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub, projected to attract over 700,000 visitors annually. A core aim of the project is to support communities in telling their own stories while offering opportunities for residents and visitors to discover new narratives from across the city.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, emphasized that the project celebrates the people of Belfast and preserves the stories and experiences that connect them to the city. The grants programme provides a meaningful way for communities to participate, ensuring that Belfast Stories reflects the diversity and richness of local experiences.
Programme Director Wendy Langham highlighted that the initiative will connect community groups with creative opportunities to unlock authentic stories, memories, and experiences of Belfast. She noted that while the Belfast Stories building will serve as a central hub, it will be part of a wider network of storytelling initiatives across the city, reinforcing community participation and engagement.
Information sessions for prospective applicants will take place both across the city and online in late February and early March. Interested organisations can access guidance and application details via email at belfaststories@belfastcity.gov.uk
or on the Belfast City Council website. Earlier in February, a pre-application Community Consultation was conducted to share updated project proposals and designs, gathering public feedback ahead of a planning submission later this year.
