[South Arts](https://www.southarts.org)

March 2027 (Full application deadline; projected)

Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 for eligible tour expenses; up to $2,500 may be used for non-musician tour support.

Supports jazz artists in organizing three- to six-site tours, emphasizing underserved and rural communities, artist autonomy, and equitable pay.

Grant is forecasted; all dates are projected and subject to change.

--- ## Description This grant program provides direct support to professional jazz artists planning three- to six-site tours across the United States and its territories. Jazz Road Tours is artist-centric, empowering artists to design their own tour routes, select venues, and retain creative and financial control over their engagements. The program especially prioritizes tours that reach rural or underserved communities with limited access to live jazz, aiming to foster artist development, equitable pay, and expanded audience engagement. Approximately 50 tours are supported annually, with a focus on building momentum for ensembles and promoting business skills for artists. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Grant requests may range from $5,000 to $15,000. - Up to $2,500 of the total grant may be used for non-musician personnel to support tour administration, promotion, childcare, or technical needs. - Funding covers eligible expenses such as artist fees, travel, lodging, meals, and backline equipment. - Approximately 50 awards are made annually. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Individual professional jazz artists (solo or as part of an artist-led ensemble, nonprofit, or corporation). - Must be age 18 or over, not a full-time student, and based in the U.S. or its territories. - U.S. citizens or permanent residents only (non-residents may participate in the tour but cannot be paid with grant funds). - **Tour Requirements:** - Tours must include three to six sites on contiguous dates, with a logical route. - Tours must either cover a total distance of at least 250 miles or include at least one site 250+ miles from the applicant’s home base. - Tours must take place in the U.S. or its territories and feature public performances. - All presenters are expected to promote the tour and engage new audiences. - **Prior Recipients:** - Previously funded artists may reapply only if the new application deadline is at least one year after the end date of their previous funded tour. --- ## Application Process - **Tour Planning:** Applicants must have their tour fully booked before applying (the grant does not assist with booking). - **Application Submission:** Applications are submitted online via the [South Arts Salesforce portal](https://southarts.my.site.com/grants/s/). - **Required Materials:** - Details of tour routing, venues, and presenter information. - Tour budget summary (template available). - Work samples (audio/video) representing the ensemble or primary artist. - Artist bio and narrative explaining the tour’s impact and relevance. - **Review Process:** Applications are evaluated by a panel of jazz experts based on artistic merit, tour integrity, impact, and audience engagement, with special emphasis on underserved communities. - **Award Distribution:** 75% of funds are disbursed upon receipt of a signed award letter and W-9 form; the remaining 25% is paid after submission and approval of a final report. --- ## Additional Information - Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel, lodging, meals, backline, and up to $2,500 for tour administration or support (e.g., tour manager, childcare, social media). - Tours must not simply be one-off performances; continuity and route integrity are required. - Venues can be traditional or non-traditional, including clubs, arts centers, festivals, community spaces, houses of worship, and more. - Applications from artists representing diverse backgrounds and those proposing tours in isolated or rural areas are strongly encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Program Page & Guidelines](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/jazz-road-tours) - [FAQ](https://www.southarts.org/programs/jazz-road/jazz-road-tours-faq) - [Salesforce Application Portal](https://southarts.my.site.com/grants/s/) - [Sample Budget Template](https://www.southarts.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/2025%20Updated%20Jazz%20Road%20Tours%20Budget%20Template.xlsx) - [Sample Offer Letter Template](https://www.southarts.org/sites/default/files/JazzRoad/Jazz%20Road%20Tours%20-%20Offer%20Letter%20Template.docx) - [Contact South Arts](https://www.southarts.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Contact Method | |-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact South Arts](https://www.southarts.org/contact) | | Program Director | [Drew Tucker](https://www.southarts.org/about/leadership#leader-3420) | | Phone | 404-874-7244 |

Jazz Road Tours

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