Deadline: 07-May-2026
The Touring of Work Scheme 2027 Round 1 supports artists and arts organisations to bring high-quality artistic work to audiences across Ireland through structured tours. The scheme funds tours of exhibitions, performances, and other artistic work presented at a minimum of three venues, with strong emphasis on artistic excellence, public engagement, fair pay, geographic reach, and inclusion.
About the Opportunity
The Touring of Work Scheme 2027 Round 1 is designed to help artists and organisations take artistic work to audiences in multiple locations across Ireland.
The aim is to make great art more accessible nationwide by supporting tours that:
- Reach audiences across different regions
- Involve at least three venues
- Strengthen partnerships and touring networks
- Promote meaningful public engagement
The scheme mainly supports work that is often already produced and recognised, although some artforms may allow new or adapted programming depending on priorities.
What the Scheme Supports
The scheme supports structured touring initiatives such as:
- Exhibitions
- Performances
- Other artistic experiences presented across multiple venues
Key expectations include:
- A minimum of three venues
- Strong artistic quality
- Clear audience development and engagement
- Collaboration among touring partners
- Good geographic spread across Ireland
Programme Objectives
The scheme aims to:
- Make high-quality art accessible to wider audiences across Ireland
- Support artistic excellence
- Encourage meaningful public engagement
- Strengthen touring networks involving:
- Venues
- Festivals
- Artists
- Producers
- Promoters
- Arts organisations
- Local authorities
- Funders
- Support fair remuneration under the Paying the Artist Policy
- Advance:
- Equality
- Diversity
- Inclusion
- Participation in the arts
- Support access for children and young people
- Promote stronger geographic spread of the arts
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional practising artists
- Arts workers
- Arts organisations
Applicants are generally expected to be:
- Based in the Republic of Ireland
Important Note
Exceptions may be considered where applicants can clearly show:
- Strong benefits to the Irish arts sector
Activity Period
The scheme supports touring activity that takes place:
- Between January and June 2027
There may be:
- Some flexibility extending into early 2028
Collaboration and Partnership Requirements
Applicants are expected to show strong collaboration in their proposals.
Proposals should demonstrate:
- Clear partnerships or consortium arrangements
- How collaborators improve:
- Artistic quality
- Audience reach
- Geographic diversity
- Strong links between local and national arts partners
Collaborative approaches involving:
- Consortiums
- Collectives
- Venue partnerships
- Local and national arts entities
are especially encouraged.
Eligible Costs
The scheme can support a wide range of touring-related costs, including:
- Artist fees
- Staff fees
- Administrative costs
- Venue hire
- Equipment hire
- Marketing
- Public engagement activities
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Accessibility-related costs for:
- Participants
- Audiences
It may also support:
- Remounting previously produced work
- In some cases, new or adapted programmes, depending on the artform
Best-Suited Applicants
This scheme is especially relevant for:
- Touring theatre makers
- Dance companies
- Musicians and ensembles
- Visual arts exhibitors
- Multidisciplinary artists
- Arts festivals and presenters
- Producers and touring networks
- Community-engaged arts organisations
How to Apply
A strong application should clearly show artistic quality, touring feasibility, and audience value.
Steps to Apply
- Confirm eligibility
Ensure you are an eligible artist, arts worker, or organisation. - Design the tour plan
Build a proposal covering at least three venues. - Show artistic quality
Present strong evidence of the quality and readiness of the work. - Build partnerships
Demonstrate collaboration with venues, festivals, producers, or other partners. - Explain audience engagement
Show how the tour will reach and engage audiences across Ireland. - Budget fairly and clearly
Include realistic costs and align with the Paying the Artist Policy. - Address inclusion and access
Show how the project supports accessibility, inclusion, and geographic spread.
Tips for Applicants
To improve competitiveness:
- Prioritise strong artistic work
- Build a realistic multi-venue touring plan
- Show clear audience development
- Include strong local and national partnerships
- Demonstrate fair artist pay
- Highlight inclusion, accessibility, and regional reach
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these issues:
- Fewer than three venues
- Weak evidence of artistic excellence
- No clear touring partnerships
- Limited audience engagement strategy
- Poor geographic spread
- Under-budgeting artist fees or ignoring Paying the Artist Policy
- Weak accessibility planning
FAQs
1. What is the Touring of Work Scheme 2027 Round 1?
It is a funding scheme that supports artists and organisations to tour high-quality artistic work to audiences across Ireland.
2. What kinds of work can be supported?
The scheme supports exhibitions, performances, and other artistic experiences delivered through structured tours.
3. How many venues are required?
Tours must include a minimum of three venues.
4. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include professional practising artists, arts workers, and organisations.
5. When must the touring activity take place?
Supported activity is expected to take place between January and June 2027, with some flexibility into early 2028.
6. What costs can be covered?
Eligible costs may include artist fees, staff costs, venue/equipment hire, marketing, public engagement, travel, accommodation, and accessibility-related costs.
Conclusion
The Touring of Work Scheme 2027 Round 1 is a valuable opportunity for artists and organisations seeking to bring excellent work to audiences across Ireland.
With its focus on touring partnerships, artistic excellence, fair pay, audience engagement, and national reach, the scheme can help expand access to the arts while strengthening Ireland’s touring ecosystem.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.