Northern Music Export Office
Generator

UK Artist Touring Programme in Partnership with the FAC

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Applications will reopen early 2027

Overview

Delivered in partnership with the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC), the UK Artist Touring Programme provides co-investment of up to £10,000 alongside dedicated touring support for artists based in the North East, Tees Valley, and West Yorkshire.

National touring is a vital step in building the audiences, revenue, live experience and industry confidence artists need before export, but rising travel, accommodation, crew and production costs are making it harder to deliver viable tours.

Through regional co-investment and practical touring support, NMEO and the FAC help Northern artists reduce risk, strengthen tour planning, reach new UK audiences and build the foundations for future international growth.

What the Programme Supports

  • Cohesive UK headline or support tours consisting of 3 or more dates.
  • Significant UK festival appearances integrated into wider touring activity.
  • High-impact domestic showcase opportunities.

Eligible Costs

  • Tour transport (e.g., van hire, fuel, transit costs).
  • Tour accommodation.
  • Essential touring crew and session musicians (e.g., tour manager, sound engineer, driver).
  • Backline hire and live production essentials.
  • Tour-specific marketing, PR, and regional audience development.

Key Application Criteria

  • Regional Eligibility: Open to artists based in the North East, Tees Valley, or West Yorkshire.
  • Tour Feasibility: Itinerary must consist of at least 3 confirmed (or provisionally held) dates, supported by a viable, realistic budget and clear audience development goals.
  • Full criteria will be found on the FAC website

Please note at this time, these programmes are exclusively available to artists from the Tees Valley, West Yorkshire and North East Mayoral Strategic and Combined Authority areas.

Powered by Generator, the Northern Music Export Office was established through a partnership between between Mayoral Strategic and Combined Authorities from across the North of England with the intention of helping artists and music businesses from the region access national and international opportunities. At this time, these programmes are exclusively available to artists from the Tees Valley, West Yorkshire and North East Mayoral Strategic and Combined Authority areas.

Through a combination of investment, advocacy, industry connections and tailored support, NMEO helps Northern talent build sustainable careers while strengthening the wider regional music ecosystem. By taking a place-based approach, NMEO is able to respond to the specific strengths, opportunities and challenges of the region's music sector while ensuring cultural and economic benefits are retained within the North.

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