Deadline: 22-Dec-2025
The Arts Council’s Touring of Work Scheme supports artists and arts organisations in bringing high-quality exhibitions, performances, and creative experiences to multiple venues across Ireland. The initiative aims to expand audience access, foster public engagement, and strengthen collaborations while promoting artistic excellence and inclusion.
Overview of the Scheme
The Arts Council Touring of Work Scheme is designed to ensure that creative works reach audiences across Ireland, promoting access to culture and supporting a vibrant artistic landscape. Key objectives include:
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Encouraging tours to at least three venues to widen audience reach.
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Supporting established and new works that demonstrate artistic merit.
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Fostering partnerships with venues, festivals, producers, and local authorities to enhance impact.
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Aligning with Arts Council priorities such as fair pay, geographic access, equality, inclusion, and participatory arts.
Why the Scheme Matters
This scheme ensures that communities throughout Ireland can experience exceptional artistic work. It:
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Promotes audience engagement and cultural participation.
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Supports sustainable careers for artists and arts workers.
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Encourages collaboration and network-building across the arts sector.
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Enhances regional access to high-quality exhibitions, performances, and artistic experiences.
Who is Eligible?
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Individuals or organisations based in the Republic of Ireland.
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Applicants outside Ireland may apply if the tour benefits the Irish arts sector.
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Professional practising artists or arts workers, full-time or part-time.
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Tours must include a minimum of three venues.
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Applicants can submit only one application per round.
How the Scheme Works
1. Project Preparation
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Plan tours for July–December 2026, with flexibility into early 2027.
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Identify at least three venues for the tour.
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Collaborate with partners such as venues, festivals, producers, promoters, and local authorities.
2. Application Process
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Complete all required sections of the online application form.
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Submit supporting materials, including creative work examples and budget details.
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Ensure proposals meet cost and activity limits; disability access costs may exceed the maximum if justified.
3. Evaluation Criteria
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Artistic excellence of the proposed work.
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Audience engagement strategy and public benefit.
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Alignment with Arts Council priorities, including geographic access, equality, and inclusion.
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Feasibility, planning, and partnerships for successful touring.
4. Implementation
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Conduct the tour across identified venues.
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Maintain collaboration with partners to maximize reach and impact.
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Document audience engagement, attendance, and creative outcomes.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Submitting a tour with fewer than three venues. Tip: Ensure at least three confirmed locations.
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Mistake: Missing required application sections. Tip: Complete all forms and provide supporting materials online.
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Mistake: Exceeding the maximum budget. Tip: Keep project costs within the award limits unless for justified disability access.
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Mistake: Failing to demonstrate audience benefit. Tip: Clearly outline audience engagement strategies and potential impact.
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Mistake: Submitting multiple applications. Tip: Only one application per applicant is allowed.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the Touring of Work Scheme?
Professional practising artists or arts organisations based in Ireland, or external applicants demonstrating benefit to the Irish arts sector.
2. How many venues must a tour include?
A minimum of three venues is required for eligibility.
3. When should tours take place?
Between July and December 2026, with some flexibility into early 2027.
4. Can disability access costs exceed the maximum funding?
Yes, in cases where additional funding is needed to ensure accessibility.
5. How are applications evaluated?
Based on artistic excellence, audience engagement, feasibility, partnerships, and alignment with Arts Council priorities.
6. Can applicants submit more than one proposal?
No, only one application per applicant is permitted.
7. What support does the scheme provide?
Financial assistance for touring costs, support for partnerships, and a pathway to expand audience reach and impact.
Conclusion
The Arts Council Touring of Work Scheme 2026 empowers artists and arts organisations to expand their reach across Ireland, delivering high-quality cultural experiences to diverse communities. By supporting partnerships, audience engagement, and inclusive practices, the initiative strengthens the Irish arts ecosystem and ensures more people have access to exceptional artistic work.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.
