Arts Circulation and Touring Program

Overview of the Arts Circulation and Touring Program program:

The Arts Circulation and Touring Program is designed to help BC-based professional artists, arts organizations, and collectives distribute artistic work and reach new audiences through touring and circulation opportunities. The program aims to strengthen artistic careers and foster cultural development across communities by funding the presentation and promotion of creative works in a variety of formats and venues. Projects supported may include inter-community tours, participation in national or international showcases and festivals, or the extended circulation of creative outputs such as exhibitions or performances. Priority is given to projects that enhance access for underserved communities, reflect the diversity of BC’s population, and include partnerships or collaborations that demonstrate clear planning and artistic merit. The program is aligned with the BC Arts Council’s strategic vision to support equity, Indigenous arts, regional arts development, and the sustainability of the arts ecosystem in British Columbia. Applicants can apply for support toward the costs of transportation, accommodation, fees, production adjustments, and promotional materials necessary for successful touring or circulation. This initiative is open to multiple disciplines, including dance, music, visual arts, theatre, media arts, and literary arts. Funding is project-based and designed to facilitate both traditional and innovative methods of sharing art across geographic and cultural boundaries.

Benefits of the Arts Circulation and Touring Program program:

• Financial support for touring and circulation of artistic work
• Opportunity to reach new audiences within and outside of BC
• Encourages access for underserved and regional communities
• Supports transportation, accommodation, production, and promotional costs
• Fosters partnerships and collaborations within the arts sector
• Builds career sustainability for individual artists and collectives
• Open to a variety of artistic disciplines and forms of circulation
• Promotes inclusion, accessibility, and cultural diversity

Eligibility criteria of the Arts Circulation and Touring Program program:

• To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Be a professional artist, arts and culture organization, or collective based in British Columbia
• Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident (if applying as an individual)
• Have a demonstrated record of professional artistic activity (minimum two years)
• Organizations must be registered and have operated for at least one year
• Collectives must consist of at least two professional artists
• Projects must involve circulation or touring outside of the applicants home community
• Projects must have confirmed presentation or exhibition commitments
• Applicants must be in good standing with the BC Arts Council (no overdue reports or compliance issues)
• Indigenous applicants and equity-deserving groups are strongly encouraged to apply