In 1989, the Cultural Ministers Council endorsed the need to develop an enhanced touring infrastructure for the performing arts in Australia. The Cultural Ministers Council conveyed to the Australian Government its strong support for the Australia Council's proposal to establish a National Touring Coordination Program in 1989-90, with incremental funding made available for this purpose.
As a result of this process, the Australian Government introduced three cultural grants programs: Playing Australia, Festivals Australia and Visions of Australia.
Playing Australia provides grants to companies, producers, venues, presenters and tour organisers to tour performing arts across state and territory boundaries, where this is currently not commercially viable and where there is demonstrated public demand.
Further information, guidelines and application forms can be found here.
Festivals Australia provides funding to regional and community Australian festivals for the presentation of quality cultural activities. The program seeks to encourage communities to increase cultural activities in their area. Applications must be made by organisations that manage regular festivals. To be eligible for funding, an activity must not have been previously presented and must be one that could not be afforded without the funding.
Further information, guidelines and application forms can be found here.
Visions of Australia provides grants to cultural and community organisations to develop and tour exhibitions of historical and scientific material, visual arts and craft, multimedia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture throughout Australia. Exhibitions should have a predominantly Australian source or theme.
Further information, guidelines and application forms can be found here.