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Call for Applications: Touring of Work Scheme Advance Planning 2027 (Ireland)

Deadline: 22-Jan-2026

The Arts Council’s Touring of Work Scheme funds artists and arts organisations to present exhibitions, performances and creative works across at least three venues in Ireland during 2027. The scheme supports touring costs, collaboration with venues and audience engagement, ensuring that high-quality art reaches diverse communities. It is open to professional artists based in Ireland and eligible international applicants who can show clear benefit to the Irish arts sector.

Overview of the Touring of Work Scheme

The Touring of Work Scheme is a national funding programme designed to help artists and arts organisations bring existing creative work to multiple locations across Ireland. It supports exhibitions, performances and interdisciplinary projects in traditional venues, public spaces and site-specific environments. Its purpose is to increase cultural access, expand artistic reach and strengthen Ireland’s touring infrastructure.

Key Objectives of the Scheme

  • Expand public access to high-quality art

  • Support touring activity across at least three confirmed venues

  • Strengthen partnerships among venues, festivals, producers and touring networks

  • Enhance the cultural ecosystem and increase regional cultural participation

  • Ensure professional, artist-led work reaches diverse communities

Why This Funding Matters

The scheme helps proven, high-quality artistic projects reach more people, especially outside major urban centres. It supports both creative expansion and logistical needs, bridging gaps between artists, audiences and cultural institutions. By funding tours, the Arts Council deepens community engagement, improves cultural accessibility and sustains Ireland’s artistic sector.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility includes:

  • Professional practising artists based in the Republic of Ireland

  • Arts organisations, producers and creative companies

  • Artists living abroad who can demonstrate a clear benefit to the Irish arts sector

  • Applicants with previous Arts Council funding, provided the tour is distinct from earlier funded work

  • Collaborative partners such as festivals, venues and touring networks
    Applicants must propose touring activities scheduled between January and December 2027.

What the Scheme Funds

The scheme supports direct and essential touring costs, such as:

  • Artist, technical and administrative fees

  • Travel, transport and accommodation

  • Per diems and subsistence costs

  • Venue hire or equipment rental

  • Marketing, publicity and audience-engagement activities

  • Accessibility supports for artists and audiences with disabilities

  • Remounting or adapting existing work to prepare it for touring

How to Apply (Step-by-Step)

  1. Identify the Work to Be Toured
    Select an existing artistic work with demonstrated quality and readiness for presentation.

  2. Secure a Minimum of Three Confirmed Venues
    Obtain written partnership agreements or expressions of interest from presenting venues.

  3. Develop a Touring Plan
    Include schedules, logistics, travel routes, technical requirements and audience-engagement plans.

  4. Prepare a Detailed Budget
    List all touring expenses, income sources, partner contributions and required funding.

  5. Complete the Arts Council Application Form
    Provide artistic rationale, evidence of prior success and relevance to Irish audiences.

  6. Submit All Required Supporting Documents
    Include CVs, partnership letters, proof of eligibility and artistic samples.

  7. Send the Full Application Before the Deadline
    Late, incomplete or inconsistent applications are not accepted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a project without three confirmed venues

  • Failing to clearly explain how audiences will benefit

  • Budget calculations that lack clarity or omit essential costs

  • Applying with work that is not ready to tour

  • Proposing new work creation instead of touring existing work

  • Weak or missing partnership documentation

  • Confusing previously funded work with new touring activities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can newly created work receive funding?
No. The scheme funds touring of existing work, not new work development.

2. Do international artists qualify?
Yes, if they can clearly demonstrate that their proposed Irish tour benefits the Republic of Ireland’s arts sector.

3. Is there a minimum number of venues?
Yes. Tours must include at least three confirmed venues to qualify.

4. Can applicants receive funding for accessibility supports?
Yes. The scheme covers accessibility measures for artists and audiences with disabilities.

5. Are collaborative applications encouraged?
Yes. Strong partnerships with venues, festivals and producers improve application strength.

6. Can organisations with current Arts Council support apply again?
Yes, if the touring activity is separate from work previously funded.

7. Are marketing and audience-engagement expenses eligible?
Yes. These are considered essential touring costs.

Conclusion

The Arts Council Touring of Work Scheme offers a vital opportunity for artists and arts organisations to expand the reach of their creative work throughout Ireland in 2027. By funding touring costs, supporting collaboration and enhancing cultural accessibility, the scheme strengthens the national arts ecosystem and ensures that diverse communities can experience high-quality artistic expression. This structured funding pathway helps artists deepen public engagement, build strong touring networks and contribute to Ireland’s cultural vibrancy.

For more information, visit The Art Council.