Record funding to take the show on the road to regional NSW

Audiences in regional NSW will have more access to quality arts and culture experiences thanks to the NSW Government’s commitment of $12 million over the next four years for small to medium and major arts organisations to take their shows on the road.

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said audiences, artists and regional economies will reap the rewards and assist the state’s COVID-19 recovery with the  $24 million Arts and Cultural Funding Program uplift secured through the 2021/22 State Budget.

“We are more than doubling the total level of funding for the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program, which also includes a 171% uplift for the small to medium arts sector competitive open rounds and capacity building for arts companies to tour in regional NSW. This will enable many of the State’s most vibrant orchestras, ensembles, theatre productions, contemporary musicians, and gallery collections to reach every corner of NSW,” Mr Harwin said.

“Following extensive industry consultation, we will now offer two rounds of Regional Arts Touring funding each year, a new multi-year round, and we have removed barriers to applying to help more arts companies tour their programs and projects across regional NSW.”

Executive Director Arts on Tour Antonia Seymour said the focus on capacity building will enable the sector to plan, reach new audiences and activate new venues.

“This announcement is a game-changer for touring in NSW. The additional investment and multi-pronged funding strategy will bring stability and confidence to the sector and more diverse, high-quality arts experiences to regional audiences, Ms Seymour said”

The increase in funding to the Create NSW Regional Arts Touring Program is part of the NSW Government’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP) commitment of $271 million from 2021-2025.

Applications for Round 1 of Regional Arts Touring project funding are now open.

Visit the Create NSW website for more information and to apply.