Deadline: 03-Mar-2026
Creative Australia’s Playing Australia Project Investment provides funding for arts organisations to deliver regional and remote tours across Australia. The program supports artist fees, production costs, travel, accommodation, and innovative touring formats, including residencies and digital presentations. Eligible projects must involve a confirmed itinerary with at least three locations and demonstrate strong community engagement and public outcomes.
Overview of the Playing Australia Project Investment
The Playing Australia Project Investment is designed to expand access to high-quality arts experiences in regional and remote communities. By funding well-planned tours, the program strengthens cultural engagement, supports artists, and promotes sustainable touring practices.
Key Objectives
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Increase access to the arts for regional and remote communities.
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Support high-quality, artist-led performances and tours.
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Encourage innovative and flexible touring models, including digital formats.
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Promote environmental sustainability and artist wellbeing during tours.
Who is Eligible?
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Arts organisations with a confirmed itinerary for regional tours.
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Organisations planning presentations in at least three distinct locations.
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Applicants must ensure artists are paid at appropriate professional rates.
Eligible Costs
Funding may cover a full range of tour-related expenses, including:
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Artist and touring party fees.
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Rehearsal and remounting costs.
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Production, technical, and equipment expenses.
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Transport, accommodation, and tour coordination.
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Measures supporting environmental sustainability and touring company wellbeing.
Types of Supported Tours
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Residency-based models with live public outcomes.
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Annual touring programs for one or more works.
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Tours prioritising deep community engagement.
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Digital or hybrid touring formats extending reach beyond physical locations.
How to Apply / How It Works
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Develop a Tour Plan: Identify locations, community engagement strategies, and artistic objectives.
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Confirm Itinerary: Ensure at least three locations with scheduled presentations.
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Prepare Budget: Include all eligible costs, from artist fees to production and travel.
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Submit Application: Complete the online application form with supporting documents.
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Assessment: Applications are reviewed for artistic merit, community engagement, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities.
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Funding Decision: Successful applicants receive investment to deliver the planned tour.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly demonstrate community engagement and expected public outcomes.
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Provide detailed itineraries, budgets, and schedules.
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Highlight innovative approaches or digital extensions to the tour.
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Emphasise sustainable and safe touring practices for artists and staff.
FAQ
1. Can a single performance in one location be funded?
No, projects must present in at least three locations.
2. Are digital tours eligible?
Yes, hybrid or fully digital tours are supported if they extend community reach.
3. Can funding cover travel and accommodation?
Yes, transport, accommodation, and related tour coordination costs are eligible.
4. Is artist remuneration required?
Yes, all artists must be paid at professional rates.
5. Can annual or recurring tours apply?
Yes, annual touring programs or multiple-work tours are encouraged.
6. Are environmentally sustainable practices required?
While not mandatory, proposals that integrate sustainability measures are positively considered.
7. Who decides which applications receive funding?
Applications are assessed by a panel based on artistic quality, community engagement, and feasibility.
Conclusion
The Playing Australia Project Investment empowers arts organisations to deliver high-quality tours to regional and remote communities. By supporting flexible, sustainable, and community-focused touring models, the program strengthens cultural participation, promotes artist wellbeing, and builds long-lasting connections across Australia.
For more information, visit Creative Australia.
