Open Call: International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme 2026

The International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme (ITER) supports arts organisations and individuals in developing sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible approaches to international touring. The programme provides learning opportunities, networking support, and project funding of up to £30,000 for collaborative projects that reduce environmental impacts and promote climate justice in the performing arts sector.

About the International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme

The International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme (ITER) is designed to help the performing arts sector create more sustainable models for international touring and collaboration.

The programme supports artists, venues, producers, and touring organisations in addressing the environmental and social challenges connected with international performances.

ITER encourages the development of touring practices that are:

• Environmentally responsible.
• Inclusive and accessible.
• Equitable and socially conscious.
• Aligned with climate justice principles.

Purpose of the Programme

The main purpose of ITER is to support the arts sector in reducing the environmental impact of international touring while creating fairer and more inclusive opportunities.

The programme focuses on:

• Developing sustainable touring strategies.
• Reducing carbon emissions from international travel and production.
• Encouraging environmentally responsible partnerships.
• Supporting climate justice approaches.
• Creating new models for international arts collaboration.
• Strengthening leadership for transformative environmental change.

Key Focus Areas

The programme supports projects and activities related to:

Sustainable Touring Practices

Participants explore ways to make touring more environmentally responsible through:

• Lower-carbon travel approaches.
• Sustainable production methods.
• Efficient use of resources.
• Reduced waste.

Climate Justice and Environmental Responsibility

ITER promotes approaches that consider:

• The environmental impact of cultural activities.
• Fair participation in climate action.
• The relationship between communities and environmental challenges.

Inclusive and Equitable Collaboration

The programme encourages:

• Diverse participation.
• Accessible creative opportunities.
• Fair partnerships between international collaborators.
• Socially responsible touring models.

Funding and Support Available

The programme provides:

• Free online seminars.
• Networking opportunities.
• Collaborative learning activities.
• Project funding of up to £30,000.

Funding is available for collaborative projects developed through the programme.

Who Can Apply?

ITER is designed for professionals working in the performing arts sector.

Eligible applicants include:

• Music venues receiving touring organisations.
• Theatre venues.
• Festivals.
• Orchestras.
• Theatre companies.
• Solo artists.
• Performers.
• Musicians.
• Performing arts producers.
• Multidisciplinary arts organisations.

Applicants must be based in one of the following countries:

• England.
• Scotland.
• Denmark.
• Norway.

Pathfinders Programme

The Pathfinders Programme is a learning opportunity for participants who are beginning their journey toward sustainable touring.

It is suitable for people who:

• Are new to environmentally responsible touring.
• Have recently started considering the environmental impact of their work.
• Want to understand carbon emissions linked to touring.
• Are exploring international collaboration.
• Need guidance on creating more responsible touring models.

What Participants Learn Through Pathfinders

The Pathfinders programme includes 10 online sessions focused on sustainable touring and international collaboration.

Participants learn about:

• Sustainable touring principles.
• Environmental impact reduction.
• Responsible international partnerships.
• Inclusive creative practices.
• Equity and environmental justice.

Sessions include:

• Expert presentations.
• Interactive activities.
• Group discussions.
• Guest speaker sessions.
• Practical examples from the arts sector.

How the Programme Works

Step 1: Join Learning Sessions

Participants take part in online seminars covering sustainable touring concepts and practical approaches.

Step 2: Build Networks

Participants connect with:

• Artists.
• Venues.
• Producers.
• International collaborators.
• Performing arts organisations.

Step 3: Develop Collaborative Ideas

Participants identify opportunities to create environmentally responsible touring projects.

Step 4: Apply for Project Funding

Eligible collaborative projects developed through ITER may receive funding support of up to £30,000.

Why Sustainable Touring Matters

International touring creates opportunities for cultural exchange but can also contribute to environmental challenges through:

• International travel emissions.
• Energy consumption.
• Production waste.
• Resource use.

ITER helps the performing arts sector balance global cultural exchange with environmental responsibility.

The programme supports a future where international collaboration can continue while reducing harm to the planet.

Benefits of Participation

Participants can gain:

• Knowledge of sustainable touring methods.
• Access to international networks.
• Practical environmental tools.
• Collaboration opportunities.
• Support for developing innovative touring models.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain their interest in sustainable touring.
• Highlight previous artistic or collaborative experience.
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and environmental responsibility.
• Consider how their project can reduce environmental impact.
• Show willingness to collaborate internationally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Treating sustainability only as a technical issue.
• Ignoring social inclusion and equity.
• Proposing projects without collaboration.
• Failing to explain environmental impact reduction methods.
• Providing unclear project objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme?

ITER is a programme that supports performing arts organisations and individuals in creating sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible approaches to international touring.

How much funding is available?

Collaborative projects developed through the programme can receive funding of up to £30,000.

Who can participate in ITER?

Performing arts organisations, venues, artists, producers, and touring companies based in England, Scotland, Denmark, or Norway can participate.

What is the Pathfinders Programme?

Pathfinders is a beginner-focused learning programme that introduces participants to sustainable touring principles and responsible international collaboration.

How many sessions are included in Pathfinders?

The programme includes 10 sessions combining presentations, activities, discussions, and expert contributions.

What topics does ITER address?

ITER focuses on sustainable touring, climate justice, environmental responsibility, inclusion, equity, and new models of international collaboration.

Can individual artists apply?

Yes. Solo artists, performers, and musicians working in the performing arts sector are eligible if they meet programme requirements.

Conclusion

The International Touring and Environmental Responsibility Programme helps transform the performing arts sector by supporting sustainable, inclusive, and climate-conscious international collaboration. Through training, networking, and project funding of up to £30,000, ITER enables artists and organisations to develop new touring models that protect the environment while strengthening cultural exchange.

Participants are encouraged to explore responsible touring practices, collaborate across countries, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the global arts community.