Backroads

Overview

Backroads connects communities throughout regional and remote NSW to small scale, high quality performing arts events. The initiative aims to support the reach of professional productions to regional towns that do not have professional performing arts infrastructure, as well as support small hall activation and the work of independent producers and artists.

Backroads is best suited to compact, adaptable, low budget productions that would suit a community centre, old town hall, local cinema or café, or small, independent theatre. Tours need to be self-sufficient, able to produce, mount and market their work in regional and remote towns.

Funds Available

There is a total of 3 x $7K grants available to support a tour to 1-3 independent or community-run venues* in regional NSW. Applicants must apply for the full amount and demonstrate how they will allocate the funds for their project. It is expected that budgets include other sources of income, be that ticket sales, other grants, sponsorship, company contribution or in-kind.

*this is a guide only, taking into account the amount of funds available. Applicants are welcome to include more venues if their budget allows.

Key Dates

⎯ Online info session: Tuesday 28 July 2026, 3pm AEST (recording will be available online HERE)

⎯ Application dates:

• Applications open: Monday3 August 2026, midday AEST
• Applications close: Wednesday2 September 2026, 5pm AEST

⎯ Notification: applicants will be informed about the success of their application in October 2026

⎯ Project period: Projects must occur between 1 November2026 and 31 December 2027

Who Can Apply

Applicants should be an individual or organisation presenting a professional production or performance in an independent or community-run venue. The applicant should be the person overseeing financial management, contracting, marketing and technical provisions, and may be a regional arts organisation, community group, local council, professional performing arts presenter, self-presenting artist or producer, or theatre company.

We welcome applications from experienced makers that are relatively new to touring. If required, Arts on Tour can assist these applicants with their budget, finding a suitable venue/s, and any other queries they may have relating to their application.

Note: priority will be given to artists/organisations who do not receive multi-year grant funding. If you do, please call Mark to discuss your project before applying : (02) 8038 1886.

Assessment Criteria

⎯ Quality and artistic merit of the production

⎯ Impact of the grant on both the creative practice of key artists and the audiences in the proposed touring locations

⎯ Viability of the project, including budget, planning, and marketing and engagement strategies

⎯ Evidence of plans to create partnerships and meaningful engagement opportunities between the artists/producer and the communities on the tour

⎯ Engagement with Create NSW strategic priority areas (see definitions HERE)

• First Nations stories and communities
• Western Sydney and/or regional NSW
• Next generation of creatives and audiences
• Broad and inclusive communities and content
• Accessibility and Equity

Eligibility

⎯ Applicants can be experienced makers with touring experience or those relatively new to touring.

⎯ The primary applicant and at least 50% of the touring company/creatives must be NSW-based.

⎯ Applicants need to have an ABN or work with an administrator/auspicing organisation to manage the funds on their behalf.

⎯ Applicants are required to contact Arts on Tour prior to submitting an application to discuss their project.

⎯ Individual applicants must be Australian citizens or have permanent resident status in Australia.

⎯ Tours should include 1-3 independent or community-run venues in regional NSW(more venues are okay if your budget allows i.e. other sources of income and/or costs amortised across locations)

⎯ Projects funded must be a professional NSW performing arts production (see Definitions below).

⎯ Funds are not available for music gigs/album launches.

⎯ Funds are not available for retrospective activities or activities outside the project period specified above.

⎯ Funds are not available for performances in towns/cities that are serviced by professional performing arts centres (see list of ineligible locations in the FAQs overleaf).

⎯ Priority will be given to artists/organisations who do not receive multi -year grant funding. If you do, please call Mark to discuss your project before applying: (02) 8038 1886.

Definitions

Independent or community-run venue

Backroads aims to support work in smaller venues such as community centres, town halls, and small, independent theatres. Backroads funds cannot go towards performances at major performing arts centres. If you are unsure about whether the venue you are touring to is eligible, check the list below in FAQs or contact Mark at Arts on Tour at mark@artsontour.com.au

Professional artists

Professional artists are those that have a career in their area of practice, and who are paid for their work in line with industry standards.

Performing arts productions

Performing arts productions including plays, musicals, musical theatre, cabaret, contemporary classical and classical music concerts, dance, physical theatre, performance, puppetry, comedy, theatre for young people and circus are eligible for Backroads funding. Due to the limited funds available for this initiative, music gigs such as album launches are not eligible. If you are not sure of the eligibility of your work, please contact Mark before applying.

Assessment Process

You will receive an email acknowledgement from Arts on Tour when we receive your application. Eligible applications are assessed by Arts on Tour with an industry representative in an advisory capacity. Please allow six weeks from the closing date before making enquiries.

Successful Applicant Requirements – Acquittals

Grants must be expended as outlined in the application unless prior written permission to make a variation has been asked for and given by Arts on Tour. Successful applicants must submit an acquittal report as outlined in the application.

More Questions

Contact Mark Salvestro at Arts on Tour on 02 8038 1886 or email mark@artsontour.com.au.