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Arts Encounters

If you would like to bring the Arts into the heart of the community, ISLAND Community Arts is offering tailored arts projects, delivered by professional artists to constituted community/voluntary groups in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area for FREE! Crafts, dance, drama, visual arts and textiles – you decide! Places are available on a first come, first served basis.

Deadline for applications is Mon 30 Jun 2025. To book your group, please complete the application form and send to Lucie Corcoran, Assistant Community Arts Officer on E: lucie.corcoran@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

New applications will open in Nov 2025.



If you are a constituted community/voluntary group based in the Council area and are looking to engage in a professional community arts project, why not sign up for a FREE Arts Encounter. Dance, drama, visual arts, music or crafts… you decide.

Please allow a lead-in time of at least 12 weeks between submitting your application and the date of your first proposed activity to allow for processing of applications.

Should you require transport please be advised that LCCC Community Services provide Community Transport

Community transport - Lisburn & Castlereagh (lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk).

Additionally Council facilities are available for hire should you require a venue at a community rate.


The Arts Encounters scheme offers groups an opportunity to explore any art form or medium which is of interest to them. Some ideas might include:

  • Visual Arts – Watercolours, Acrylics, Oils, Graffiti Art, Photography
  • Music –Singing, Djing, Music Production, Sound Bath
  • Drama & Dance – Acting, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Line, Sequence
  • Crafts – Card Making, Jewellery, Textiles, Pottery
This could include what art form you would like to use, experience of the group, any outcomes you would like to achieve such as a performance or exhibition.
(eg. Disabilities, access needs, language etc.)