Applause Rural Touring is a UK rural arts producer and commissioner that focuses on bringing high-quality live performance to villages and under-served communities, especially across Kent, Sussex, Essex and the wider English rural touring network. Its support is centered on commissioning and touring new work, particularly theatre/drama and outdoor performance, and it tends to work through partnerships with regional touring consortia rather than open grantmaking. Nonprofits that fit best are artists, touring companies, and local venue networks able to deliver small-scale shows for rural audiences and community events.
Primarily program-led, partnership-based commissioning and touring support rather than open grants. Funding appears to be annual or callout-driven, often with regional selection processes and no unsolicited proposals; support may include commissioning fees plus touring subsidies or booking support for selected productions.
Do not expect an open application portal; most opportunities are via targeted regional callouts or partner networks. Watch for annual commissioning rounds and area-specific opportunities, and be prepared to pitch small-scale, tour-ready work for rural venues and outdoor/community settings in England.
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Current and upcoming funding from Applause Rural Touring that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Community hosts and venues in the South East interested in booking Applause indoor touring shows. The programme is aimed at village halls, libraries, schools, and community spaces.
Deadline: Rolling programme of performances; no fixed deadline stated.
Who can apply: Artists or companies with small-scale work suitable for outdoor events and local festivals. Applause commissions new shows each year and invites interested artists to contact programming.
Deadline: Annual seasonal menu / yearly commissioning cycle; no specific deadline stated on the page.
Who can apply: Artists/companies with professional outdoor touring work; venues and promoters hosting outdoor events in the South East can benefit from the touring subsidy.
Deadline: Annual outdoor menu and seasonal programming; dates are not specified in the provided content.
Who can apply: Artists or companies interested in creating touring outdoor work, and promoters or community events in the South East that can host outdoor performances.
Deadline: 2026 Outdoor Menu launched; no fixed deadline stated.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.