The Big Lottery Fund today announced a collaboration with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland which will back the 2013 UK City of Culture Derry–Londonderry to the tune of £1.35m.

The Culture for All programme will offer grants of up to £10,000 to communities across Northern Ireland to enable them to contribute to the UK City of Culture celebrations next year.

Northern Irish community organisations can apply for funding to run arts and culture projects, under the caveat that they relate to the event, nurture talent and benefit local people.

BIG's NI director Joanne McDowell said: “The Big Lottery Fund and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Culture Company 2013, are delighted to be able to play our part in supporting communities across Northern Ireland to take part in activities during the historic UK City of Culture celebrations in Derry–Londonderry.

“We want to ensure that groups across Northern Ireland can develop and deliver arts and culture projects that link to the celebrations and also benefit the lives of people in their local communities.”

Lorraine McDowell, director of operations at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “This new fund will give communities across Northern Ireland a chance to be a part of one of the world’s most significant cultural events. In partnership with the Big Lottery Fund, we hope to provide support to at least 150 new community projects in 2013.

"The UK City of Culture is our time to shine, to showcase our creative strength to international audiences.”