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.

Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) maintains a roster of approved Texas-based touring companies and artists. 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.  

This program is open to artists of all artistic disciplines, including dance, folk arts, music, theatre, visual and film, and words (creative writing and storytelling). Every two years, all interested artists, companies, and organizations may apply to be listed on the Texas Touring Roster. Artists on the current roster must reapply to be listed on the upcoming roster. Texas-based nonprofits, individuals, universities, and unincorporated/for-profit groups providing arts performances are eligible to apply.

In this program, the artist or artist's management sets the fee and negotiates the booking. Applicants must have a history of touring and maintain a reasonable fee range. Roster artists are required to perform outside their community regularly. Touring artists offer single performances as well as optional services that may include workshops, master classes, lecture-demonstrations, arts education components, residencies, or short performances.

Please read the FAQ for more information. The TCA Touring Roster is available online here TCA Touring Roster.

Deadline:  January 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM CST

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."