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 Join us for the relaunch of Fundraising Connections after it's pilot in 23/24!

After a successful year of piloting Fundraising Connections we are delighted to relaunch it and engage those fundraising within the arts and cultural sector!

Fundraising Connections is a peer led, networking and information session for those fundraising within the arts and cultural sector to collaborate by sharing ideas, resources, fundraising tips, successes, losses, potential funders and more. We will also be able to share upcoming funding/grant opportunities, fundraising events, training and other resources on different aspects of fundraising.

In this instalment of Fundraising Connections, we will be looking at Trusts and Foundations (T&F) fundraising with an open discussion led by two of our very own Arts Members. Lara Albergo from Bruiser Theatre Company and Paul Sweeney from Playhouse Theatre will be in conversation and discussing everything from their experience of T&F fundraising at the moment, the reality of managing relationships with T&F funders, opportunities for diversity of income and creative risks, alongside answering your burning questions!

This event is open to anyone in the sector engaging in any area of fundraising (plus plenty of time for chatting and refreshments on the go!)

A&B NI members can attend this event for free. Non-members are asked to pay £3+VAT to cover venue costs (that's a bargain for a few cups of tea/coffee and a wee sweet treat these days!)

About Lara & Bruiser Theatre Co:
As Development Manager at Bruiser Theatre Company, Lara Albergo spearheads fundraising strategies and donor relationships crucial to our artistic growth. Drawing on her Cultural Policy and Arts Management Master's degree and previous experience managing £300k+ budgets, Lara drives organisational sustainability while working alongside the Artistic Director to deliver compelling productions. Her financial expertise and passion for theatre fuel Bruiser's continued cultural impact.

Bruiser Theatre Company, established in 1997 in Belfast, is one of Northern Ireland's most dynamic arts organisations. We create accessible, innovative theatre with our signature "minimal set, maximum impact" approach, placing actors at the heart of every performance. Our productions captivate audiences across Ireland and beyond, while our education initiatives—A Day With Bruiser and The Arts Academy—nurture emerging talent. With a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement, Bruiser continues to push creative boundaries while maintaining our core vision: producing high-impact theatrical experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

About Paul & The Playhouse Theatre:
Paul Sweeney is a fundraising/development leader, with over 30 years of experience in the voluntary and community sector. He currently works as the Development Director at The Playhouse, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic and creative arts centres. Prior to joining The Playhouse, Paul held significant roles in charities such as the Northern Ireland Hospice, Southern Area Hospice, Cancer Support and Children in Crossfire where he successfully led regional relationship fundraising, capital building appeals, legacy campaigns, weekly lotteries, philanthropy and individual giving appeals. His passion for the performing arts, coupled with expertise in trusts and foundations, sponsorship acquisition, and donor engagement ensures the Playhouse’s financial sustainability and growth.

The Playhouse is one of the most vibrant theatres and arts organisations in Northern Ireland, established to meet the needs and aspirations of people and communities at a time of conflict. We have since grown to become a national asset: an award-winning producing theatre, an empowering centre for learning and a global leader in the arts and peaceful change.

Accessibility

We are committed to making our events inclusive and accessible to all. If you have any accessibility requirements or need any adjustments, please let us know when booking so we can accommodate your needs.

If you’d like to speak to someone about accessibility before the event, please contact Holly h.foskett@artsandbusinessni.org.uk or ring us on 02890735150

On the day, our team will be available to assist you—just look for staff wearing pink lanyards. They’ll be happy to answer any questions or provide any additional support you may need.

To find out more about the venue, how to get there and about the building please click here

Environmental Statement

A&BNI is committed to working with our Board, staff, suppliers, funders and audiences to ensure we consider the environmental impacts of our activities.

We are members of Green Arts NI, a sustainability network of cultural and creative organisations. In June 2019 we made a Plastic Promise and pledged to stop further use of plastic bottles and cups and to specify use of reusable sustainable products at our events. We walk, use public transport or car-share as much as possible – and encourage our attendees to consider sustainable transport options where possible.