The Nová síť organization presents the Toolkit “Touring Beyond Big Cities”, a practical guide designed for artists, local organizers, and coordinating organizations. The publication was issued in 2026 as part of the international SPARSE Plus project, co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe program and the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic.
Touring outside large cities is not merely logistics, but above all a relationship, culture, community, and new opportunities. The purpose of the new guide is not to offer a single universal model, but to name conditions in good time, fairly distribute responsibility, and reduce risks for all parties involved.
Seven Pillars and Key Roles in Rural Touring
The guide draws on the long-term work of Nová síť, experiences from the SPARSE Plus project, and input from roundtable discussions with regional stakeholders. The Czech experience within the project was shaped by promoters from partners such as Theatrum Kuks, Švestkový Dvůr, Kulturák, REZI.DANCE Komařice, and Valdštejnské imaginárium.
The entire touring process rests upon seven principles of rural touring, which include sustainability, linguistic accessibility, adaptability, technical adequacy, community engagement, local relevance, and accessibility with inclusion.
Successful collaboration relies on close cooperation among three main actors:
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The Artistic Team: Offers a feasible performance, provides accurate technical information, and respects local specifics.
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The Local Promoter: Thoroughly knows the venue, community, and local rhythm; selects the program; and stands behind the experience for the audience with personal credibility.
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The Coordinating Organization: Connects locations, dates, and finances; translates expectations between the artistic and regional environments; and helps build long-term relationships.
What Will You Find in the Guide?
The toolkit guides the reader through all phases of preparing and hosting live art:
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Program Selection and Venue Check: Explains how to properly verify a space’s technical parameters (dimensions, flooring, electricity, facilities) and avoid relying on unverified assumptions.
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Budget, Contracts, and Schedule: Helps build a financial plan that covers not only fees but also transport, accommodation, hospitality, technical equipment, and copyrights. It also offers a detailed timeline ranging from initial selection to 24 hours before the event.
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Communication and Audience: Emphasizes that personal trust, collaboration with schools, libraries, and local associations, and setting proper audience expectations are most effective in regions.
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International Projects and Sustainability: Provides tips for international touring (including references to expert resources such as the NIK Infopoint) and highlights ecological and relational sustainability.
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Realization and Evaluation: Contains practical checklists for the day of the show, rules for hospitality care toward artists, and recommendations for subsequent feedback and evaluation.
Download the Toolkit
The practical guide is freely available to all interested parties from the cultural public, creators, and local governments. The text serves as a useful recommendation for developing live art in regions and strengthening cultural mobility in the Czech Republic and Europe.
You can download the Toolkit HERE
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.