Thank you to everyone who has supported our campaign to Keep Rural Arts Live. Our dedicated campaign page is now live on our website, where donations can continue to be made: thetouringnetwork.com/keepruralartslive
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We know how much audiences across rural Scotland are missing the thrill of live performance and how much artists can't wait to get back on the stage.
By donating what you can to Keep Rural Arts Live, you are directly helping world-class live music, theatre, dance, comedy and more to return to the Highlands & Islands when it's safe to do so.
If you're able to give the couple of pounds you would have spent on that interval pint or the £20 on a pair of tickets to a Friday night show, you will be ensuring that:
- Any potential lost ticket income due to socially distanced reduced capacity will be subsidised, meaning professional performers and their crews will be fairly paid.
- Tickets remain affordable for the whole community without substantial pricing increases.
- Up-and-coming local talent get the invaluable opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in the Scottish and UK arts scenes.
- A vital part of the Highlands & Islands economy stays buoyant, by continuing to welcome the travelling companies and the money they spend in the local area in terms of venue hire, accommodation, hospitality and more
Who We Are
The Touring Network’s Members (who range from village hall committees and pub landlords to professional programmers and performers) are found all across a region which covers half the land mass of Scotland, stretching from Shetland to Campbeltown. They believe passionately that everyone has the right to experience high-quality performance without having to travel long distances and in 2019 staged nearly 900 events. For over 40 years they have worked year-round to stage a diverse, world-class programme of live music, theatre, dance, comedy and arts right on the doorstep of Highlands & Islands communities, and are dedicated to getting live performance back up and running once it can safely return. Your donations are key to this happening - thank you!
Keep Rural Arts Live Crowdfunder Rewards
We're asking all those who love experiencing live arts in the Highlands & Islands to donate now what they would currently be spending on a pair of tickets or an interval drink to help ensure its future return. We're keeping our Crowdfunder rewards simple in order to ensure that 100% of funds raised can be shared directly amongst the Touring Network's members to benefit their communities and the artists that perform in them. Donations from £2-£20+ will receive a thank you shout-out on our social media. Higher donations will receive a range of additional benefits including their name on our Keep Rural Arts Live online sponsors wall and tickets to the Network performance of their choice in 2021.
Local businesses and individuals who can donate £500+ will become a Key Supporter of the campaign; we will match you with a relevant cultural community in the Highlands & Islands and run a mid-campaign PR opportunity publicising you as a Cultural Community Supporter in regional media. You'll also receive thank yous on our social media and website, have your logo / name included on relevant local event posters (when they re-open) and a thank you video from your cultural community.
How The Fund Will Work
100% of the money raised from this campaign will be made available to Corrie and Cairn members of The Touring Network through a simple application process.
The fund will specifically support the cost of live performance events in the Highlands & Islands region, ensuring that fair fees for performers aren't compromised due to reduced ticket income or higher costs incurred as a result of COVID-19.