01/09/2026
Arts Council England is inviting expressions of interest for the third round of its Incentivising Touring scheme, an initiative designed to support mid-large scale theatre and dance productions touring across England. The scheme aims to reduce financial risks for producers and encourage investment by demonstrating potential for financial returns.
Funding, provided as a repayable grant, is available at up to 25% of production capitalisation costs, capped at £500,000 per project.
Eligible applicants include UK-based, publicly funded, commercial and independent theatre and dance producers, National Portfolio Organisations, and collaborative groups. Productions must tour to permanent, ticketed performance venues, each with a minimum of 400 seats, including a minimum of four venues in England, outside of inner London.
Eligible projects include new productions, revivals or remounted works for first or new tours. Theatre is broadly defined, encompassing plays, musicals, circus, and physical or visual theatre forms.
Applications for Round Three can be submitted between 1 September 2026 and 13 October 2026. Before applying, applicants must book a conversation with a member of the Incentivising Touring team before 18 September 2026.
More information at https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/incentivising-touring-scheme
