Are there any success stories from previous ACE Grant recipients?
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Exciting New Grant Opportunity! ACE Unveils Funding for Theatre and Dance Tours
What is the ACE Grant?
The Arts Council England (ACE) has recently launched a new funding initiative aimed at supporting theatre and dance companies to undertake tours across the UK. This grant is designed to enhance cultural access and engagement while showcasing diverse talents and productions. The ACE grant empowers artists to reach wider audiences, ensuring that quality performances are enjoyed by all, regardless of location.
Key Features of the ACE Grant
- Funding Amount: Grants can range from £5,000 to £100,000 depending on the scale and reach of the proposed tour.
- Eligibility: Open to registered theatre and dance companies in the UK, including those from underrepresented communities.
- Duration: Grants can support tours of varying lengths, from weekend performances to extensive season-long engagements.
- Application Window: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, providing flexibility for project planning.
How to Apply for the ACE Grant
Applying for the ACE grant is straightforward, but attention to detail is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the application process:
1New Initiative by Arts Council England to Revitalize Theatre and Dance Touring
Launch of Incentivising Touring Pilot Program
Arts Council England (ACE) has initiated a groundbreaking pilot program titled Incentivising Touring, aimed at bolstering the touring framework within the theatre and dance sectors.
This innovative initiative will provide repayable grants designed specifically for producers, facilitating their ability to schedule performances in larger venues.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, ACE intends to address several pressing issues that hinder regional touring. The goal is to broaden accessibility to a diverse array of high-quality cultural experiences throughout England.
By introducing these repayable grants, ACE aims to mitigate financial burdens tied to touring productions. This strategy seeks to cultivate greater confidence among boards and investors when endorsing tours.
Funding Details and Program Structure
The pilot scheme is backed by a budget totaling £5 million, which will be dispensed over two distinct funding sessions. Each grant can cover up to 25% of a production’s capitalization expenses, capped at £500,000 per project.
To qualify for funding, successful candidates must perform at a minimum of four venues across various parts of England excluding inner London. However, they are free to extend performances into inner London as well as other UK regions or even international locations.
ACE outlined that the program’s design includes re-investment opportunities; shows that achieve commercial success will be expected to return their investment for use in future theatrical tours.
“The pilot aims for Arts Council England to evaluate this novel funding mechanism on larger scales while accumulating insights through feedback and assessments,” stated an ACE representative.
Comprehensive Study on the Touring Landscape
In tandem with this initiative, ACE has commissioned an extensive study focusing on theatre, dance, music, and hybrid arts activities performed in indoor venue settings. The purpose is to gather detailed information about current touring practices; findings from this evaluation are expected next year.
Voices from the Sector: Potential Impact
Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive of National Theatre expressed strong support for the initiative stating: “Touring plays an integral role in our mission at National Theatre.”
“It cultivates community bonds while igniting creativity through shared storytelling across the UK.”
However, she pointed out that escalating costs post-pandemic have rendered many touring efforts financially unfeasible except for highly commercial projects. Varah emphasized that ACE’s Incentivising Touring Scheme presents a forward-thinking approach essential for empowering theaters and producers alike—enabling them not just to create but also showcase diverse high-quality productions nationally.
Chris Stafford from Curve Theatre in Leicester echoed those sentiments by indicating how transformative this fund might prove. “It is crucial we explore inventive strategies ensuring our touring ecosystem thrives; hence why this fundamental investment from Arts Council England stands as an incentive motivating producers toward risk-taking with commercially viable works — substantially benefiting theaters along with audiences nationwide.”
