Applications are now open for Live & Local’s popular Developing Artists in Rural Touring (DART) programme, which will take place in Nottinghamshire early next year. The event will be held at Nottingham Contemporary Gallery on Thursday 22nd January from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
DART offers a paid full-day opportunity for performing artists and arts organisations to learn, network and explore how to take their work on tour in rural locations with Live & Local and the wider rural touring networks. During the day, participants will deliver a short presentation about their work and meet performers and promoters from Live & Local’s network.
The DART scheme is Live & Local’s principal programme supporting performing artists based in, or working within, the Midlands. It is designed for those looking to move into rural touring and expand their reach to new audiences. Since its launch in 2013, DART has supported more than 100 artists and companies, many of whom have gone on to tour their shows successfully across the Midlands.
Steve Wilson, Artist Engagement Officer at Live & Local, said: “This is a great opportunity to find out more about rural touring and whether you and your show are right for this wonderful sector.” Huw Costin, who attended DART in 2023 and later joined the Live & Local touring programme with his band The Low Drift, added: “The DART day really helped us understand how to make our show appeal to a broader audience. It was also good to meet other artists and see how we could fit within a diverse arts programme.”
There are 12 places available (one representative per company), and each company will receive a fee of £150, with lunch and refreshments provided. Priority will be given to artists who are based in, or work within, Nottinghamshire and the wider Midlands. Musicians, dancers, spoken word artists and theatre makers are all encouraged to apply. DART also aims to raise awareness of rural touring among performing artists in training and within higher education or arts networks. The scheme has also helped to inspire the creation of new and innovative work. Artists and organisations are encouraged to get in touch if they represent a course or network that might benefit from this opportunity.
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th January at 5.00pm. To apply, visit http://www.liveandlocal.org.uk/get-involved/dart.