Applications for the Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme, a joint initiative by the arts councils in Ireland and Northern Ireland, has reopened for applications. To date 10 organisations have received grants to tour under the scheme totalling €285,000. 

The decision by both arts councils to combine resources and work together to create a simpler, joined-up approach was taken at a meeting of The Arts Council and ACNI in May 2013. Both arts councils wished to address a noted decline in artistic work being performed and exhibited on both sides of the border in recent years. The new initiative is aimed at encouraging and incentivising such tours.

The successful applications are being financed under a co-funding agreement whereby each arts council funds events taking place in its own jurisdiction. It is hoped that audiences will benefit through increased access to performances and exhibitions. The framework provided by The Arts Council’s existing Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme is used by both arts councils to process applications.

Arts Audiences is running Pre-Application Workshops aimed at any organisation or individual from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland who is considering applying for funding under the upcoming Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme. Two workshops will take place in:

Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda on Monday November 10th

Culturebox, Dublin on Tuesday November 11th

These workshops are aimed at potential applicants who have applied before, and/or toured before, as well as those who are new to application.

For more information on the workshop visit www.artsaudiences.ie and for information on the Touring Scheme and to apply visit http://www.artscouncil.ie/funds/Touring-and-dissemination-of-work-scheme/