The International Touring & Environmental Responsibility programme (ITER) returns for 2026 with with an open call for arts organisations and individuals to take part in developing sustainable, inclusive and just models for international touring.
Now in its fifth year and joined by Scotland, ITER invites artists and organisations to develop explore ways of reducing their impact on the environment by rethinking their approach to touring through free online seminars, networking opportunities and project funding of up to £30,000.
ITER also fosters relationships between artists and companies based in England, Denmark, Scotland and Norway, supporting them to develop new, environmentally responsible, inclusive and equitable approaches together to international touring and collaboration.
It is free to apply, and runs from 1 October to 10 December 2026.
ITER is initiated and financed by Arts Council England, Arts Council Norway, Creative Scotland and the Danish Arts Foundation, and is designed and delivered by Julie’s Bicycle and In futurum.
“The ITER programme has offered me a network of passionate individuals, collectively concerned about building a world where art can be responsibly and sustainably created.”
WHO IS ITER FOR?
The programme is designed for venues, organisers, touring companies, and individuals from the performing arts sector including dance, music, theatre in England, Scotland, Norway and Denmark.
This includes:
- Music or theatre venues that receive touring organisations
- Festivals
- Orchestras
- Theatre company
- Solo artists, performers or musicians
- Performing arts producers
- Multidisciplinary arts organisations.
What is on the iter 2026 programme?
ITER 2026 will continue to centre workshops around climate justice, and provide expanded networking opportunities, including the launch of a new alumni network to support longer-term collaboration across countries.
As before, the programme will be split into two offerings.
- Pathfinders – an introduction to sustainable touring principles for beginners
- Changemakers – a more advanced programme for those who have begun embedding sustainability into their work and are ready to take the next step, and may be ready to lead on new models of change
There are up to 60 places available across both the Pathfinder programme and Changemaker programme. Each offers a unique and exciting opportunity to engage deeply in international touring and collaboration.
After completing these programmes, participants can collaborate in groups of three or more to apply for funding of up to £30,000 to bring their projects to life
Pathfinders (beginners)
An introduction to sustainable touring principles for beginners
For participants with an interest in sustainable touring, but who are just getting started.
The Pathfinder Programme is for those who are new to environmentally responsible, socially conscious touring. As an applicant, you might have:
- just started thinking about the environmental and social impacts of touring
- begun to notice the carbon emissions created by different approaches to touring
- imagined ways you could lower your impact on the environment
- considered international collaboration but want to understand how it can be done more responsibly
You might want to:
- learn more about what sustainable touring principles are
- discover the practical tools and approaches you can take to reduce environmental impact
- better understand the links between touring, climate, equity and justice.
- meet others who are beginning the same journey and share ideas and experiences
What’s on the Pathfinder programme?
Across 10 sessions, participants will:
- be introduced to the core aspects of sustainable touring and sustainable international collaboration
- attend sessions that blend presentations with interactive activities, discussions and inspiration from guest speakers
- gain a strong understanding of ways to reduce the environmental impacts of collaboration and touring
- consider the imperative areas of inclusivity, equity and environmental justice
- have opportunities to network, share insights and explore different touring topics.
Some of the topics participants will cover include:
- What is the role of arts and culture in climate, nature and justice crisis?
- How does touring relates to climate change, biodiversity loss and social justice?
- What tools and approaches can help us understand touring impacts and how to track progress?
- What are the different models for tour routing?
- How can we balance environmental concerns with inclusion and social justice?
- Guest Speaker Inspiration Sessions – exploring emerging models for sustainable touring.
Changemakers (intermediate/advanced)
A deeper, justice-led programme for applicants who have already put sustainability practices in place and want to improve them while exploring touring ecosystems, leadership and advocacy
For participants who have already begun embedding sustainability into their work and are ready to take the next step. You might have begun trial projects, partnerships or new models, and
You might have:
- taken steps or made decisions about how you tour because of the impact on the environment
- tested new approaches, partnerships or pilot projects
- previously taken part in an ITER programme or similar initiative
- tried to influence wider changes in how your organisation or networks approach sustainable touring
You might want to:
- explore new models for environmentally responsible international touring.
- build leadership skills to drive change across your organisation or the wider sector
- turn ideas into practical action and scale successful approaches
- strengthen collaborations or partnerships on national or international levels to encourage change on a larger level
What’s on the Changemaker’s programme?
The Changemakers Programme explore leaderships in the context of environmentally responsible touring.
Across nine sessions, you will explore topics like:
- How might we rethink international touring to create a vision for the future?
- What tools can we use to map and activate our networks for improved collaboration?
- How can we turn ideas into action, and use strategies to test and scale solutions?
- How can we use communications to power collective action?
- What strategies can we use to drive transformative change across the sector?
- What partnerships and collaborations are needed to advance this agenda?
key dates for 2026
The seminars will run weekly on Tuesdays (Pathfinders) and Thursdays (Changemakers) from 1 October 2026 until 10 December 2026. All sessions will be held 10.00-12.00pm UK / 11.00-1.00pm DK/NW.
Pathfinders Seminar Dates
- Thursday 1 October – Plenary (both cohorts)
- Tuesday 6 October – Networking (both cohorts)
- Tuesday 13 October – Session 1
- Tuesday 20 October – Session 2
- Tuesday 3 November – Session 3
- Tuesday 10 November – Session 4
- Tuesday 17 November – Session 5
- Tuesday 24 November – Session 6
- Tuesday 1 December – Session 7
- Thursday 10 December – Plenary
Changemakers Seminar Dates
- Thursday 1 October – Plenary (both cohorts)
- Tuesday 6 October – Networking (both cohorts)
- Thursday 15 October – Session 1
- Thursday 22 October – Session 2
- Thursday 5 November – Session 3
- Thursday 12 November – Session 4
- Thursday 26 November – Session 5
- Thursday 3 December – Session 6
- Thursday 10 December – Plenary
Phase two, which invites collaborating creatives to apply for up to £30,000, opens on 6 November and closes on 11 January 2027. The award projects are expected to begin activity in spring 2027.
online Drop-in sessions
Julie’s Bicycle will hold 30 minute online drop-in sessions for interested applicants to ask questions and learn more about the programme on the following dates:
- Tuesday 7 July 2026
- Tuesday 18 August 2026
APPLY FOR ITER 2026
Applicants should have a creative vision and a willingness to advance sustainable touring practices beyond thinking only about travel or carbon, and be committed to developing innovative approaches to environmental responsibility in touring. They should also be keen to collaborate internationally and centre environmentally-focused partnerships.
Please note, to benefit fully from the opportunities presented by the programmes, a significant time commitment will be required from participants.
Please apply below through the correct link for your country.
How we assess your applications
Applicants will be shortlisted by the Danish Arts Foundation, Arts Council Norway, Creative Scotland and Arts Council England for a final decision panel including representatives from Arts Council England, Arts Council Norway, the Danish Arts Foundation and Julie’s Bicycle, and informed of the outcome.
We will be reviewing the following criteria:
- the artistic quality of your work
- the scale of your practice
- your experience of international touring and collaboration
- the perceived impact of your participation in the programme on your touring practice
- your demonstrated interest in embedding sustainability within your practice
- the spread of art-form and geography
For further questions, please contact environmentaltouring@artscouncil.org.uk
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