Artists and producers encouraged to set sights on regional tours
NSW’s artists and cultural producers can now apply for funding to support them in taking their exciting live shows, exhibitions and arts and cultural programs on the road for regional NSW audiences to enjoy.
Create NSW’s Regional Arts Touring Program 2026 (Round 2) is an opportunity for local artists, creative teams, and arts and cultural organisations across every artform with plans to bring entertaining and impactful arts experiences to regional communities across NSW. Individual artists and collectives may apply for up to $75,000, while organisations can apply for funding up to $120,000, for both small and large regional NSW tours.
The program increases access for regional and remote communities to arts and culture, expanding the reach of award-winning or fresh new work produced in NSW. Touring also generates many economic benefits, creating employment and professional development opportunities for artists and activating regional theatres, venues and cultural spaces.
Through live performances, hands-on workshops and interactive programs, touring showcases the work of NSW’s talented artists to new regional audiences, and in the case of young audiences, inspires the next generation of cultural workers and creatives.
The long-running program has previously supported ground-breaking productions and award-winning exhibitions reach regional audiences. These include re:group performance collective’s rock opera and raucous work of gig-theatre AUTO-TUNE, coming soon to Newcastle as part of the upcoming New Annual Festival. Recently, audiences in Albury experienced Tweed Regional Museum’s vibrant and family-friendly How To Draw A Dinosaur Touring Exhibition, blending science, art and imagination to reawaken the prehistoric world. Touring in 2027, The Girl Who Glows, created by Jo Turner and ZEEKO, is a genre-busting, entertaining piece of political, rock 'n' roll music theatre for the whole family.
Create NSW's Regional Arts Touring opportunity is open to all artforms, supporting work for audiences of all ages - from theatre and children’s shows, classical music, comedy and dance, to literature programs, First Nations arts and culture, touring visual art and museum exhibitions.
Applications close Tuesday 13 October 2026. Visit create.nsw.gov.au to find out more and apply.
Kerri Glasscock, Executive Director Create NSW said:
“Through our dedicated touring opportunity Create NSW hopes to bring world-class and innovative arts and cultural experiences to audiences in every corner of NSW.
“We’re calling all creatives with their sights set on touring throughout regional NSW to apply, from solo artists to large ensembles, including creatives from Western Sydney and regional areas.
“The program supports artists and regional communities alike, creating both professional opportunities and unforgettable experiences, so arts and culture can be enjoyed by everyone, wherever you live in NSW.”