Virginia Touring Grant 2026

The Virginia Commission for the Arts, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, administers the Virginia Touring Grants to promote equitable access to performing arts across the state. The Commission supports the cultural enrichment of all Virginia residents by facilitating the presentation of diverse, high-quality performances by artists from the state’s official Touring Artist Roster. Through these grants, the Commission helps ensure that live arts experiences are accessible, particularly in areas that might otherwise lack sufficient arts programming. The Virginia Touring Grants program reimburses eligible presenters up to 50 percent of an artist’s performance fee when they book a performance from the VCA Touring Artist Roster. These events must take place at a minimum distance of 30 miles from the artist’s home base. This long-standing grant initiative serves to expand audience access to the arts while simultaneously offering performance opportunities to Virginia-based artists and ensembles. It contributes to building sustainable networks among presenters, local governments, educational institutions, and community-based organizations. Eligible applicants include Virginia-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, units of local or tribal government, and a range of federally tax-exempt educational institutions including public and private schools, colleges, universities, and career and technical centers. Additional criteria require that events occur in ADA-compliant venues and that applicants have no outstanding final reports due to the Commission. Events must take place in Virginia between July 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026. The application process is rolling and opens on March 1, 2025, with a final deadline of December 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Applicants must apply at least two weeks prior to the event date. To apply, organizations must submit documentation including a signed contract with the Touring Artist, a Virginia W-9 form, a signed Certification of Assurances, and proof of 501(c)(3) status. Contracts must include a contingency clause indicating that funding is dependent upon grant award confirmation. Applications are reviewed by Commission staff for completeness and eligibility, and decisions are typically communicated within two weeks of submission. Funding awards range from a minimum of $100 to a maximum of $7,500 per performance. A one-to-one cash match is required; the source of matching funds may include ticket sales, private donations, or local government support, but not state or federal funds. Presenters are required to pay artists in full regardless of grant award status and are responsible for associated costs such as travel and lodging. Any surplus income resulting from the grant-funded event must be used for future arts programming with prior Commission approval. Following the funded event, recipients must submit a Final Report through the Foundant system within 30 days. Payment is issued approximately 30 days after the report's receipt. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the most recent Touring Artist Roster published in December for guidance in selecting performers. For assistance, applicants can contact the Commission by phone at 804.225.3132 or visit their main office at 600 East Main Street, Suite 330, Richmond, VA 23219.

Ensure application is submitted at least two weeks prior to event and before the December 1 deadline. Include all required attachments. Review the annual Touring Artist Roster before selecting performers.