Deadline: 05-May-2026
The Touring Queensland Fund supports arts presenters and producers in Queensland to deliver performing arts, visual arts, contemporary music, and cultural heritage tours. The program provides co-investment funding to expand regional audience engagement, grow arts markets, and increase access to high-quality cultural experiences.
Overview
The Touring Queensland Fund enables arts and cultural organizations, groups, and individual practitioners to deliver touring activities across Queensland. Key objectives include:
- Expanding arts engagement in regional communities.
- Growing audiences and markets for artists and organizations.
- Increasing access to inclusive and high-quality cultural experiences.
Funding is structured as a co-investment initiative, where applicants may request up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum grant of $100,000 per single tour or a touring program of up to 12 months.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Individuals: Primary residence in Queensland.
- Organisations and groups: Registered business address in Queensland.
- Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) matching the application name.
- Maintain a bank account under the same name as the ABN.
- Have no outstanding reporting obligations or debts to Arts Queensland.
- Must not have received support from a previous Touring Queensland Fund round or more than $1 million in Arts Queensland grants in the past year.
Funding Scope
- Maximum grant: $100,000 per tour or touring program.
- Co-investment: Fund covers up to 50% of total project costs.
- Eligible activities: Performing arts, visual arts, contemporary music gigs, and cultural heritage tours.
- Duration: Single tours of any length or programs lasting up to 12 months.
How to Apply / How It Works
- Prepare your application through SmartyGrants, including all required supporting materials.
- Ensure compliance: Proposed activities must start after approval, and applicants must meet eligibility requirements.
- Submit by closing date: Only one application per funding round is allowed.
- Funding assessment: Applications are evaluated based on artistic merit, regional engagement potential, and sustainability of the touring program.
- Grant approval and implementation: Upon approval, funds are released according to program requirements and reporting obligations.
Best Practices & Tips
- Demonstrate regional engagement and audience growth potential.
- Highlight sustainability and co-investment strategy for your tour or program.
- Include clear timelines and budgets aligned with the program’s 12-month maximum duration.
- Ensure compliance with Arts Queensland reporting and financial obligations.
Why It Matters
The Touring Queensland Fund strengthens Queensland’s arts sector, fosters cultural accessibility, and promotes community participation in the arts. By supporting touring initiatives, the program:
- Enhances regional arts engagement.
- Builds sustainable touring networks.
- Supports artists and cultural organizations in reaching new audiences.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Queensland-based arts organizations, groups, and individual practitioners with an active ABN and bank account under the same name.
2. What types of activities are supported?
Performing arts, visual arts, contemporary music, and cultural heritage tours.
3. How much funding is available?
Up to $100,000 per single tour or touring program, covering up to 50% of total project costs.
4. Can I submit more than one application per round?
No, only one application per funding round is allowed.
5. Can the project start before grant approval?
No, proposed activities must begin after the approved start date.
6. Are prior grant recipients eligible?
Applicants must not have received support from a previous Touring Queensland Fund round or more than $1 million in Arts Queensland grants in the past year.
7. How do I submit an application?
Applications must be submitted through SmartyGrants before the closing date with all required supporting materials.
Conclusion
The Touring Queensland Fund provides crucial financial support and co-investment opportunities for arts practitioners in Queensland. By enabling tours and cultural programs, it strengthens regional arts engagement, expands audiences, and contributes to a sustainable and inclusive arts sector across the state.
For more information, visit Australian Government.