Belfast City Council has unveiled a series of funding programmes to widen access to music and the arts this spring and encourage more people to engage with the city's cultural life.

A new Teenage Kicks grant offers £2,000 to venues, festivals and event organisers to stage additional alcohol-free gigs and concerts for under-18s, supporting safe, high-quality nights out for young fans of live music. Applications close at 3pm on Sunday 1 March, with further details on how to apply available from the council by email.

In March, grants will also be issued for Sounds Atypical, providing £5,000 to deaf, disabled and neurodivergent musicians to create inclusive music events, following a recent funding call. Run with the University of Atypical, the fund backed nine musicians and events last year, including performances at the Bounce Arts Festival, the Black Box and Botanic Gardens.

Ahead of this summer's Fleadh Cheoil, three traditional musicians will each receive £3,000 through the council's ongoing partnership with TG4's Gradam Cheoil Awards. Delivered with The Duncairn, the scheme includes mentorship and professional development to showcase Belfast's trad scene. Applications close at 12pm on Friday 6 March. A further £45,000 has been allocated to Gig Buddies, run by the Black Box, to pair more adults with learning disabilities and/or autism with volunteers for monthly outings to music, theatre and dance. The initiative helps participants build confidence enjoying nights out, and applications are open on a rolling basis via the Black Box website.

Information events continue in February and March for the Bank of Ideas, inviting communities and individuals to suggest events and activities they would like to see. Previous concepts funded with up to £2,500 include a sign language app, a sports day for people with learning difficulties and daytime music events for all abilities. Full details and how to apply by 5pm on Monday 23 March are available at belfastcity.gov.uk/culturefunding

"Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy their interests and access to music, culture and the arts should be for all of us," said Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of the council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

"So it's great to see so much good work happening within the sector to improve access, trial new ideas and invite more people, of all ages and abilities, to get involved.

"The Teenage Kicks scheme in particular will really help support an age group which is under-served for things to do that foster their interests and provide an experience tailored to the age and needs.

"Improving and diversifying our cultural scene in this way also boosts our city's vibrancy and, together with initiatives like the year-long pilot late-night bus service in Belfast city centre, ensures we are offering a wide range of activities and events for everyone to enjoy."