ArTour – connecting artists, audiences and communities

ArTour was borne of the Queensland Government’s Coming to a Place Near You Touring Strategy (2009-2014) and has committed to provide regional and remote communities in Queensland with performance, residencies and workshop opportunities. The Tour Strategy was designed to stimulate a demand driven arts touring culture in Queensland with a three pronged focus: growing audiences, easy touring and smart touring.

The Touring Showcase is where the following year’s 2013 Touring Menu is launched. Presenters, producers and artists are given the chance to network and enjoy highlights from the slated productions, from ballet and dance to theatre, musicals and folk music as well.

Presenters and communities are invited to submit expressions of interest for the productions they want to see in their area. The productions that receive the strongest interest are then developed into subsidised tours. This means that communities can enjoy the productions at a reduced cost while giving the artists the chance to tour their work and reach greater audiences with the assistance of touring funding – a win/win for Queensland artists and rural communities.

The Touring Fund guidelines can be found at ArTour’s website (http://www.artour.com.au). The extensive menu has a handy, easy to use filter so productions can be selected by target audience or art form, making planning a breeze. The ArTour blog about the tours is also a worthwhile read and a great testament to the wonderful opportunities and experiences the tours provide for Queensland’s artists and audiences alike.

For more on the Touring Strategy: http://www.arts.qld.gov.au/policy/tourstrategy.html