Applicants are advised to discuss proposals before submitting an application. Depending on the artform area being proposed for support, please consult with Arts NSW staff for Theatre, Dance or Music, or with Arts NSW's Performing Arts Touring Program staff on (02) 9228 5533.
To obtain an Application Form from Arts NSW, please go to the Forms section of this website OR call (02) 9228 5533 or 1800 358 594 (NSW). Important: Applications must be postmarked no later than the closing date.
Grants awarded through this program will provide greater access to professional performing arts programs throughout New South Wales.
What are the program objectives?
1 Strengthening the arts and cultural environment
• Distribute the performing arts more equitably throughout the State.
• Encourage and promote regional and local support for performing arts touring.
• Increase opportunities for the development of touring projects that reflect the cultural diversity of the State.
2 Innovation
• Develop new strategic partnerships to expand and strengthen the State's producer and presenter networks.
3 Education and Learning
• Increase opportunities for participation in a range of performing arts experiences as: an audience member; a presenter; or a workshop participant.
• Develop cultural and educational synergies for school-age audiences.
4 Leadership
• Develop more viable touring circuits.
• Support and encourage performing arts organisations which demonstrate best practice.
What types of activities are funded?
Generally, eligible applicants may submit up to three applications across any of Arts NSW's artform funding programs. This limit does not include auspiced, capital infrastructure or public art projects.
There are four types of funding under the Performing Arts Touring Program, as outlined below.
Annual Operations
Funds are available for the annual operations of eligible organisations engaged in developing tours within New South Wales , as well as for supporting training, co-ordination and advocacy. Organisations seeking annual program support for the first time will usually be required to demonstrate at least a three-year history of project funding from Arts NSW.
Projects
The Performing Arts Touring Program primarily supports tours to, from and between regional centres. Tours should include at least two venues and demonstrate economies of scale.
Regional companies should note that, while support is available for tours that include Sydney and/or outer metropolitan Sydney centres, tours solely to Sydney and/or outer metropolitan Sydney will not be considered for funding.
Sydney-based companies should note that support is only available for regional tours or the regional component of tours. Funding is not available for seasons in metropolitan and outer metropolitan venues, including Parramatta , Penrith and Belrose.
Grants are provided towards the net touring costs (fares/vehicle costs, freight, accommodation and living allowances) associated with touring within New South Wales . In some instances additional funding may be considered to ensure that the level of risk to be borne by the applicant body is acceptable. This could take the form of a contribution towards promotional costs associated with the tour.
Music ensembles touring within Musica Viva's program and circuits are supported through the Music Program . Applications for other music tours should be made under the Performing Arts Touring Program. The Performing Arts Touring Committee encourages applications involving contemporary, innovative Australian music under this program.
Grants under the Performing Arts Touring Program are generally not available for:
• tours to schools
• pre-production or rehearsal costs
• salaries or fees.
In exceptional circumstances, where there is a demonstrated demand for tours of successful productions, funding is available for remount costs (salaries/rehearsal venue). Applicants should discuss this option with the Performing Arts Touring Program staff before submitting an application.
Guarantees Against Loss (GALs)
A Guarantee Against Loss is a support mechanism for presenters to reduce the financial risk associated with participating in a tour. It is designed to meet any unforeseen box office shortfall. Such unforeseen losses may be associated with smaller than expected audiences due to other local events competing for audiences or severe weather conditions.
To be eligible to apply for a Guarantee Against Loss grant of up to $10,000 applicants must be able to demonstrate that the performance season has the potential to break even. GAL budget templates can be downloaded here.
Note: While GAL grants are applied for in advance of the tour, claims for payment are made at the conclusion of the tour when final box-office results are known. A claim for a GAL is also accepted as an acquittal of the grant.
Quick Response GALs - Quick Response GALs of up to $2,000 may be applied for through Arts on Tour. There is no closing date but intending applicants should discuss their application with Arts on Tour before applying, to ensure that funds are available (see Links for contact details).
Triennial Funding
Triennial funding may be offered to selected organisations at the discretion of Arts NSW. Such organisations will have substantial track records of achievement and will be required to submit high-quality, well-developed three-year programs of activities, as well as effective and viable three-year management plans.
Inquiries regarding triennial funding should be directed to the Performing Arts Touring Program staff.
Who is eligible to apply?
Organisations applying for funding must meet Arts NSW's general eligibility criteria.
Applications will be accepted from touring agencies (such as Arts on Tour), professional performing arts organisations, presenters, service organisations and regional arts boards. Individuals may apply for a grant if auspiced by an eligible, relevant service organisation (see Section 4 for a listing of such organisations). The organisation or company must be able to prove its credentials and show evidence of sustained activities related to the performing arts industry.
For the purpose of these guidelines, professional performing arts companies are those complying with the relevant theatre, dance or music awards (see the definition of ‘professional' on the Eligibility section of this website). Current salary and touring allowance rates are available from Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) and the Musicians' Union of Australia (see Links for contact details).
While preference will be given to New South Wales based companies, applications from outside New South Wales for touring within New South Wales will also be considered. It is expected that such applicants will also seek assistance through Playing Australia.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed against the following criteria:
• quality, in terms of artistic merit and innovation
• calibre and suitability of artists
• audience development strategies
• sound planning and organisational and financial management
• confirmed bookings from presenters
• compliance with the priorities and objectives of this program and the Cultural Grants Program in general.
The General Guidelines and Information section of this website explains the application and assessment processes in more detail and outlines the reporting and acquittal requirements should an application be successful.
Presenter Confirmation Forms and a Guarantee Against Loss (GAL) Budget and Claim Form Template can be downloaded on the right side of this page.