Introduction
The Texas Touring Arts Program is designed to ensure that all Texans have the ability to enjoy performances by outstanding Texas-based companies and artists in their own communities. The Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) provides grants to help with the costs of bringing in companies and artists from this roster for performances.
Performing arts companies and artists from throughout the state apply to be included on the Texas Touring Roster. These artists must have a history of touring and must be willing to travel outside of their community to do a performance. They are also required to maintain a reasonable fee range. Evaluators with expertise in touring arts evaluate applicants to this program.
Arts Respond Performance Support is the companion grant program that allows performing arts presenters in Texas to apply for a portion of the artistic fees for one or more approved companies or artists from the Texas Touring Roster. This is a quarterly program that can provide a grant to help with these costs. These applications must be submitted in advance of the performance and by the appropriate quarterly deadline. You can learn more about this program here.
Booking a Performance
Presenters interested in booking an artist from the roster will find the contact information alongside each entry. Company and artist fees are approximate. The fees may vary according to distance, number of services, per diem, and lodging, etc.
Presenters are encouraged to consult with the artists to determine what costs are included in the fee. The presenter will contact the company or artist to arrange booking dates and enter into a formal contractual agreement specifying the date(s) of the engagement and fee.
The presenter may apply for a portion of the negotiated fee (based on a sliding scale ranging from 30% to 50%) for an artist on the Arts Respond Performance Support application form. A copy of the signed contract with each artist is a required attachment. Funding is also contingent upon the availability of TCA funds. Contracts may include a contingency clause stating "the contract is contingent upon receipt of fee support from the Texas Commission on the Arts." For more information contact:
Texas Commission on the Arts
PO Box 13406
Austin, TX 78711-3406
512/463-5535 ext. 0 or toll-free 800/252-9415
Resources for Arts Presenters
To encourage partnerships with other state, regional, and national organizations, a partial list of performing arts service providers is included.
Southwest Performing Arts Presenters is a consortium of performing arts organizations who present and promote dance, music, theatre, and visual arts in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and New Mexico. SWPAP's main purpose is to promote cooperative efforts among its members. These include booking collaborations, networking and professional development workshops, a listserv for members, and regular membership meetings.
www.swpap.org
Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) is a regional membership organization that includes Texas. MAAA collaborates with Arts Midwest in offering the Midwest Arts booking conference each September and a performing arts touring program very similar to TCA's called the Regional Touring Program. This program has a rolling deadline, and applications are due three weeks prior to the start date of the project. Grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, until the allocation for each state is gone.
Mid-America Arts Alliance
2018 Baltimore
Kansas City, MO 64108
816/421-1388
www.maaa.org
Association of Performing Arts Presenters is a national membership organization for the performing arts presenting field. Every January, they host APAP|NYC an annual conference in New York City which incorporates workshops, an exhibit hall, showcases and meetings designed to provide technical assistance to beginning and advanced presenters. They provide professional development programs and member services for artists, agents and managers, presenters, and producers to make the connections and gain the information, skills, and resources they need.
Association of Performing Arts Professionals
1211 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
202/833-2787
www.apap365.org
The National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that funds, promotes, and strengthens the creative capacity of our communities by providing all Americans with diverse opportunities for arts participation.
National Endowment for the Arts
400 7th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20506
202/682-5400
www.arts.gov