Nearly 100 core arts organisations across Northern Ireland are to receive a share of £13.3m after the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) announced its annual funding allocation.

This year will be the first time that organisations have been able to apply in advance for up to three years' worth of funding, with the support designed to cover year-round running and programme costs.

According to ACNI, the move from a one-year to a three-year funding model has been made in response to the current economic climate and is designed to ensure greater stability.

The grant funding comprises the majority of the agency's annual spending and is financed through a combination of Northern Ireland Executive and National Lottery support.

ACNI chair Bob Collins said: "We took soundings from the sector about how we could improve our support for our clients during these difficult economic times.

"That led to us overhauling our annual funding programme to give clients the option to apply for three-year funding."

Details: www.artscouncil-ni.org