Beginning in July 2025, the CONNECT project is led by the British Council and is implemented in partnership with local Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Politics in Action (Northern Ireland) and Create (Ireland) with the support of Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Arts Council Ireland | An Chomhairle Ealaíon as associate partners.
With a contract value of €2,081,985 over four years, the project promotes social inclusion, cultural diversity, placemaking, and mutual respect through community engagement, media and the arts.
PEACEPLUS CONNECT creates opportunities for people from diverse communities, and cultural, ethnic and political backgrounds to participate, learn, and collaborate by building mutually beneficial connections and celebrating the diversity, distinctiveness, creativity and innovation of Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
The strands of the programme include
Communities Connect
Led by Politics in Action, this strand is a community leadership programme addressing 21st century challenges such as climate change, gender inequality, unemployment, alienation and conflict.
Festivals Connect
Led by Create, this strand builds capacity in festivals and cultural initiatives centred in cultural democratic approaches that foster inclusive community engagement.
Media Connect
Led by the British Council, this strand links the community and festival work through training and media engagement. It includes cross-community workshops for journalists, digital media content creators, students, community members and representatives of CSOs/ Festivals, aiming to introduce critical journalism for positive social change.
Engagement and Impact
CONNECT will engage with grassroots CSOs and festivals, ensuring opportunities for:
- People from different communities, cultural, ethnic and political backgrounds;
- Individuals whose voices are under-represented in the public sphere;
- Communities living with the legacy of conflict.
Over four years, the project will involve more than 3,400 participants in regional-level initiatives, fostering relationships that contribute to a peaceful, prosperous and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
Get Involved
As CONNECT develops, the British Council and its partners invite communities, practitioners and stakeholders to participate. Together, through creativity, collaboration and shared purpose, we can shape a more inclusive and connected future.
To find out more about the different programme strands and activities, complete the online form. We will be happy to connect, share our news and invite you to take part in our activities.
Opportunities and tenders will be published throughout the programme to support delivery, please check the webpage regularly for updates.