Request for Applications: Touring Support Grant (Australia)

Deadline: 28-Sep-2026

Touring Support is a South Australian grant of up to $50,000 for funded arts organisations seeking to expand audiences and markets through regional, national or international touring. The funding can support tour-related artist fees, transport, freight, accommodation, visas, travel allowances, tour coordination, sustainable touring initiatives, carbon-emission reduction and virtual presentation of established work. What Is the Touring Support Grant? Touring Support is designed to help funded South Australian arts organisations extend the reach and lifespan of South Australian artistic works. The grant supports touring and presentation opportunities across different locations and markets, including: Initiatives that reduce carbon emissions associated with touring The program is available across all art forms and is intended to strengthen audience development, market expansion and the wider circulation of South Australian creative work. Funding Amount Eligible organisations can apply for up to $50,000. Funding can contribute to eligible costs associated with touring, presenting established work and developing more sustainable approaches to artistic presentation. Who Is Eligible? The Touring Support grant is available to funded organisations, including: Small-to-medium arts organisations Major arts organisations Other organisations that meet the relevant funded-organisation requirements Applicants must be eligible funded organisations at the time of application. Travel allowances outside the organisation’s home base Tour coordination expenses Development costs for sustainable touring Carbon-reduction initiatives Development of virtual presentation models Implementation of virtual presentation opportunities for established works The funding can therefore support both direct touring expenses and the development of new models for sustainable or virtual presentation. What Does “Net Touring Costs” Mean? For regional, interstate and international touring, the grant can contribute to eligible net touring costs. These are costs associated with delivering the tour after considering relevant income or other financial contributions connected with the touring activity. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget clearly identifies touring expenses and any income or other contributions relevant to the project. Why Does Touring Support Matter? Touring allows South Australian artists and organisations to reach audiences beyond their usual geographic markets. The grant is particularly important because it can help organisations: Expand regional, national and international audiences Extend the life of existing South Australian works Develop new markets Build relationships with presenting venues Increase opportunities for artists Strengthen touring networks Support cultural participation outside major centres Extending the life of South Australian creative works A strong proposal should clearly explain why touring or presentation away from the home base is important and what audiences, artists and the organisation will gain from the activity. How to Apply Eligible funded organisations should develop their application around a clear touring or presentation proposal.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Check that the organisation is an eligible funded organisation and is not an excluded applicant category. In particular, independent artists, artist groups, National Performing Arts Partnership Framework organisations and Statutory Authorities cannot apply.

Step 2: Define the Touring Activity

Clearly describe the proposed activity, including: The artistic work being presented The art form Touring locations

Participating venues

Proposed dates or timeframe Target audiences Whether the activity is regional, national or international Whether the project involves virtual presentation

Step 3: Explain the Audience and Market Benefits

Describe how the activity will:

Reach new audiences Expand markets Extend the life of the work Strengthen relationships with venues or presenters Increase opportunities for South Australian artists and creative practitioners

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Identify all relevant project costs, including: Artist fees Transport Freight Accommodation Visa expenses Travel allowances Tour coordination Other eligible touring expenses If requesting support for sustainable touring or virtual presentation, clearly separate those development or implementation costs.

Step 5: Address Sustainability

Where applicable, explain how the proposal will reduce environmental impacts. Applicants should demonstrate that they have the experience, partnerships and resources required to deliver the proposed touring or presentation activity successfully. Tips for a Strong Application Applicants can strengthen their proposals by clearly connecting the project to the objectives of the Touring Support program.

Consider the following:

Be specific about destinations: Identify the regions, cities, venues or international markets involved.

Explain the audience opportunity: Show why the proposed locations are strategically important.

Demonstrate demand: Where possible, provide evidence of presenter, venue or audience interest.

Show value for money: Explain how the requested funding will contribute to the project’s overall outcomes.

Separate eligible costs: Clearly identify artist fees, travel, accommodation, freight, visas and coordination costs.

Include sustainability measures: Explain practical steps for reducing touring-related emissions.

Highlight longer-term benefits: Show whether the tour could create future markets, partnerships or repeat presentations.

Explain virtual components: If virtual presentation is proposed, describe how it will extend access to established work.

Plan realistically: Ensure the proposed touring schedule and budget are achievable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying as an individual artist when the grant is restricted to funded organisations Proposing act