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Jazz Road Tours is sponsored by The Wallace Foundation. A national initiative that offers grants to jazz artists to develop tours into communities across the country. The program supports travel, lodging, and artist fees for tours that include multiple engagements.
Geographic focus: United States
Focus areas: Jazz, Music, Performing Arts
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
Jazz Road Tours | South Arts Staff and Board of Directors Emerging Traditional Artists Program Field Work Collection (Berea College) Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz Road Creative Residencies - FAQ Resources for Jazz Artists Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts: Touring Exhibition Grant & Fellowship Recipients How to Obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) State Partner and Presenter Networks Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund Donate to the Recovery Fund See All Grants & Opportunities Jazz artists, take your music to places it's never been. Jazz Road Tours offer grants of up to $15,000 to develop tours into communities across the country. Detailed Program Description Jazz Road: Jazz & Human Connection – January 2026 Cycle Jazz Road is a national initiative from South Arts supporting jazz artists through touring and residency grants that bring jazz into new places, strengthen artist careers, and build deeper connections with communities. Rooted in the African-American tradition, jazz thrives on connection—and this cycle is all about just that. This February, South Arts is pleased to introduce a unique Jazz Road Tours cycle dedicated to rural communities nationwide. South Arts will take an active curatorial role, collaborating directly with artists to develop and shape tours that serve rural regions. We’re inviting Letters of Interest (LOIs) from: Jazz artists based in rural areas or nearby urban centers; Artists with personal ties to underserved communities—through family, history, or shared cultural connection. If bringing your music to one of these places would be meaningful to you—and impactful for the community—we want to hear from you. Important Dates & Deadlines Submit an LOI between February 10 and March 10 Application Cycle Opens for Invited Applicants March 23 and Closes April 15 Awardees notified in early May Jazz Road contains two grants programs, Jazz Road Tours and Jazz Road Creative Residencies , with regularly recurring deadlines. Update for New Applicants As of January 2024, South Arts has added childcare as an eligible expense that can be requested as part of the available $2,500 available for non-musician personnel expenses. Refer to the guidelines and eligibility information below for additional details about expenses that may be supported by a Jazz Road Tours grant. While preparing your Jazz Road Tours Grant application, please refer to the following guidelines. Providing jazz artists financial assistance for performances/tours that increases their ability to earn income by connecting with a variety of communities in traditional and non-traditional venues Giving artists business development tools to advance their careers beyond subsidies and
Application snapshot: target deadline March 10, 2026; published funding information Up to $15,000; eligibility guidance Professional jazz artists and ensembles nationwide (administered by South Arts on behalf of the Regional Arts Organizations).
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.
Jazz Road Tours | South Arts Staff and Board of Directors Emerging Traditional Artists Program Field Work Collection (Berea College) Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz Road Creative Residencies - FAQ Resources for Jazz Artists Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts: Touring Exhibition Grant & Fellowship Recipients How to Obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) State Partner and Presenter Networks Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund Donate to the Recovery Fund See All Grants & Opportunities Jazz artists, take your music to places it's never been.
Jazz Road Tours offer grants of up to $15,000 to develop tours into communities across the country. Detailed Program Description Jazz Road: Jazz & Human Connection – January 2026 Cycle Jazz Road is a national initiative from South Arts supporting jazz artists through touring and residency grants that bring jazz into new places, strengthen artist careers, and build deeper connections with communities.
Rooted in the African-American tradition, jazz thrives on connection—and this cycle is all about just that. This February, South Arts is pleased to introduce a unique Jazz Road Tours cycle dedicated to rural communities nationwide. South Arts will take an active curatorial role, collaborating directly with artists to develop and shape tours that serve rural regions.
We’re inviting Letters of Interest (LOIs) from: Jazz artists based in rural areas or nearby urban centers; Artists with personal ties to underserved communities—through family, history, or shared cultural connection. If bringing your music to one of these places would be meaningful to you—and impactful for the community—we want to hear from you.
Important Dates & Deadlines Submit an LOI between February 10 and March 10 Application Cycle Opens for Invited Applicants March 23 and Closes April 15 Awardees notified in early May Jazz Road contains two grants programs, Jazz Road Tours and Jazz Road Creative Residencies , with regularly recurring deadlines.
Update for New Applicants As of January 2024, South Arts has added childcare as an eligible expense that can be requested as part of the available $2,500 available for non-musician personnel expenses. Refer to the guidelines and eligibility information below for additional details about expenses that may be supported by a Jazz Road Tours grant.
While preparing your Jazz Road Tours Grant application, please refer to the following guidelines. Providing jazz artists financial assistance for performances/tours that increases their ability to earn income by connecting with a variety of communities in traditional and non-traditional venues Giving artists business development tools to advance their careers beyond subsidies and grants.
The goals are rooted in equitable pay and artist-centric programming as core values. South Arts believes that artists should receive fair pay for their time, work, and expertise, and that allowing artists (as opposed to venues/agents) to control engagements offers a unique level of creative autonomy and ownership; these goals are discussed below as well as in the Supplemental Questions document uploaded with this application.
Application Process & Requirements Letter of Interest (LOI) : Artists must submit a Letter of Interest between February 10 – March 10 to be considered for invitation. Please use the LOI Guide found on our resource page to ensure all required information is included.
Invitation Notification : Artists will be notified of their invitation to apply by March 23 Application Deadline : Invited applicants must submit a full application by April 15 In addition to standard identification information, applicants will be required to submit: Minimum of three (3) artistic samples that reflect your current creative work and the sound/instrumentation of the proposed project.
You may submit more than one project if the instrumentation differs (e. g. , a quintet and a duo).
At least one reference from a venue outside your home region Information about the artists you propose to tour with. If a submitted video features a different musician than the one you plan to tour with on the same instrument, please provide information for the touring musician.
Eligibility Eligible artists will have a meaningful connection to a rural area in the United States or its territories and must be an awardee or be recommended by an awardee, or staff from a Regional Arts Organization, or State Arts Agency.
Tours are awarded to individual artists as opposed to Organizations (Artists as an individual, an artist-led nonprofit organization, or an artist-led corporation are eligible) In addition an eligible artist is: A professional jazz artist, working solo or working with a composer-led or collective jazz ensemble which consists of up to 10 musicians; Age 18 or over and not currently a full-time student; Based in the U. S.
or its territories, and is a U. S. citizen or permanent resident.
Not owe any back child-support While we will be booking the tour, artists understand that eligible venues include but are not limited to: Nonprofit and commercial established jazz presenters and clubs Performing arts centers, theaters, and concert halls Universities, colleges, and institutions of higher education Local arts agencies/councils Radio station live segments Churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship Listening rooms and libraries Retail and civic/municipal events Tours will likely also include educational components.
Panel Review Process Applications for Jazz Road Tours will be reviewed by panels comprised of experts in the jazz field from across the U. S. Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Your Letter of Interest (LOI) is your opportunity to share how your music—and your story—can create meaningful connection in a rural or underserved community.
We will review LOIs based on the following: Connection to Place & Community : Does the artist have a clear, personal, or cultural connection to the proposed community (e. g. , rural hometown, nearby region, family ties, cultural resonance)?
Artistic Alignment : Is the artist’s style and ensemble configuration well-suited to the identified community or region? Potential for Impact : Does the proposed tour or engagement show potential to create meaningful artistic and/or social impact for both the artist and the community?
Readiness & Clarity : Does the artist clearly articulate their goals and show readiness to execute a tour with the proposed collaborators and configuration? Authenticity & Artist Voice : Does the LOI reflect a strong artistic identity and authentic desire to connect through jazz? Use the LOI Guide to help shape your submission and make sure you touch each of these areas.
Work Sample Review Criteria Your work samples should showcase your current sound and creative voice. We’ll use these materials to understand your artistic identity and assess your potential fit for curated opportunities in specific regions. We will review your work samples with the following in mind: Artistic Quality : Do the samples reflect strong musicianship, creativity, and a clear artistic perspective?
Current Representation : Do the samples reflect where you are creatively right now, and the sound and ensemble you plan to tour with? Clarity of Identity : Is there a strong sense of who you are as an artist or ensemble? Potential for Community Resonance : Does the music have the potential to connect with a range of audiences, particularly those in rural or underserved areas?
Technical Clarity : Are the recordings clear enough to evaluate the performance (we don’t require studio-level quality, but clean, listenable recordings are essential)? Grant Awards & Payment Grant contracts will be issued to the lead applicant (or their business entity) on behalf of the ensemble. Applicants must provide documentation verifying U.
S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Grant funds are considered taxable income.
Grantees are responsible for complying with all relevant local, state, and federal tax laws. Grantees are fully responsible for managing the tour, including disbursing funds and completing all required reporting. Award letters will outline the payment schedule and process in detail.
All grant applications must be submitted online using the Salesforce system. We recommend that you visit the site early to create your account and become familiar with the system.
Letter of Interest (LOI) Guide 2026 Cycle | Jazz & Human Connection For Previous Jazz Road Awardees This Letter of Interest helps South Arts and Jazz Road understand who is interested in participating in a curated rural tour and why your lived experience, relationships, and perspective make you a strong fit for this model . Artistic quality is already established; this LOI focuses on connection to place and community readiness .
Length : 500–650 words (approximately 1 page) Artist Information Lead Artist Name: Primary Home Base (City/State): 1. Your Connection to Rural or Underserved Communities (Why these places are familiar to you) Describe your personal, cultural, or lived connection to rural or underserved communities.
This may include: Where you were raised or currently live Family roots or long-standing ties Communities you’ve consistently returned to outside of touring Cultural, regional, or socioeconomic experiences that shape how you show up in these spaces Focus on relationship and understanding , not performance history. 2.
Why You Are a Strong Fit for a Curated Rural Tour (Why you, in this context) This round of Jazz Road Tours will be curated by South Arts and Jazz Road , with presenters and regions selected in advance. Artists are not responsible for booking or routing. Explain why you, as a bandleader and person , are well-suited for this curated model.
Consider addressing: How you navigate unfamiliar or resource-limited settings How you communicate with presenters and community members Your comfort working within shared goals and collective logistics Your openness to responsiveness, flexibility, and listening This section should help panelists understand how you show up , not what you play. 3.
Your Ensemble & Community Readiness (Why this band works for this work) Briefly describe why your current ensemble is a good match for rural and underserved touring.
You may touch on: Shared values or backgrounds within the group Experience working together in intimate, non-traditional, or community-centered settings Interpersonal dynamics that support adaptability and care No musical descriptions are needed—focus on people and process . 4.
Understanding of Place & Potential Impact (What meaningful connection could look like) Without naming specific venues, describe the types of rural regions or communities where you believe your presence could be most impactful (for example: Appalachian counties, Delta towns, border regions, agricultural communities, tribal lands, etc.)
What you understand about these places What kind of exchange or connection feels possible there Why jazz—and your presence specifically—could resonate This is about insight and intention , not outcomes or metrics. 5. Why This Opportunity Matters Now (Why this moment) Share briefly why participating in this unique round of the Jazz Road cycle feels meaningful to you at this point in your life or career.
This may relate to: Artistic maturity or perspective A desire to return to or reinvest in certain communities A sense of responsibility, curiosity, or reflection Authenticity matters more than ambition here. 6. General Availability (High-level only) Please share your general availability beginning July 2026 onward.
Broad timeframes are sufficient. Optional Closing Reflection (2–3 sentences) If you wish, close with a short reflection on what Jazz & Human Connection means to you personally. Sample LOI - Jazz Road: Jazz & Human Connection Lead Artist: Barnaby Jones Ensemble: Sax Man Jones Trio Email: Saxmanjones@email.
com I’m writing to express my interest in the upcoming Jazz Road Tours cycle focused on Jazz & Human Connection. As someone raised in Sierra Vista—a rural military and farming town in southern Arizona—this theme speaks deeply to my personal and artistic roots. Though I’m now based in Tucson, I maintain strong ties to my hometown through family, mentorship, and music gatherings.
These experiences taught me that connection is often built offstage—through shared meals, conversations, and showing up consistently. This curated model feels like an ideal fit for the kind of work I care most about. I’ve performed and facilitated rural schools, border towns, and community centers where resources are limited, but the appetite for connection runs deep.
In these spaces, flexibility, presence, and responsiveness matter as much as performance. I approach each setting with humility, asking questions and adjusting based on what I hear—whether that’s changing a setlist or listening first before offering a note. My trio has worked together for over four years.
Beyond our musical cohesion, we share a commitment to adaptability and care. One member is from a Central Valley farm-working family, and another taught in Mississippi public schools. We’ve collaborated in community centers, libraries, and faith spaces, always shaping our work in the context we’re entering.
That shared ethic makes us well-prepared for this model of relational touring. I believe our music could be especially resonant in regions like the Arizona-Mexico borderlands, tribal communities in the Southwest, or agricultural towns across the Delta or Plains. These are places where jazz rarely arrives, but where it can speak volumes when it does—especially if approached with respect and care.
I don’t see myself bringing a performance to these communities; I see myself participating in an exchange, one rooted in listening and shared presence. This opportunity also feels timely for me. I’m entering a new chapter in my career—one where I’m more focused on the why behind the work.
I’m no longer trying to prove myself; I’m trying to give back, stay grounded, and build something that lasts. Jazz has always been about dialogue. This cycle offers a way to deepen that conversation with communities that are often overlooked but rich with culture and possibility.
I’m generally available for touring between September and December 2026, and available again all March 2027. Thank you for considering my application. Have a question about the guidelines or priorities above, or need assistance to resources to help assemble a tour/application?
It may be addressed in our Jazz Road Resources and FAQ section. After reviewing program guidelines, log in to Salesforce to apply for a Jazz Road Tours grant, edit an application in process, and submit any required reports. Where are Jazz Road artists heading next?
Catch a live performance from these talented jazz artists. Where have Jazz Road artists been? Look through the recent history of Jazz Road Tours to see where artists have toured their work.
Thank You to Our Sponsors For further information about any of the Jazz Road initiatives, contact Drew Tucker. Get the latest South Arts updates. Be the first to know about arts and culture events, conferences, and grant opportunities happening in the Southeast.
South Arts is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts as well as other public and private sources. National Endowment for the Arts Logo The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Doris Duke Charitable Foundation logo
Based on current listing details, eligibility includes: Professional jazz artists and ensembles nationwide (administered by South Arts on behalf of the Regional Arts Organizations). Applicants should confirm final requirements in the official notice before submission.
Current published award information indicates Up to $15,000 Always verify allowable costs, matching requirements, and funding caps directly in the sponsor documentation.
The current target date is March 10, 2026. Build your timeline backwards from this date to cover registrations, approvals, attachments, and final submission checks.
Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts is sponsored by The Wallace Foundation. This program supports and celebrates the diversity of artistic excellence in the South by awarding nine visual artists with state fellowships and a grand prize. State fellowships include a $5,000 award, while the Southern Prize winner receives an additional $25,000. Geographic focus: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee Focus areas: Visual Arts Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Grants & Opportunities | South Arts Staff and Board of Directors Emerging Traditional Artists Program Field Work Collection (Berea College) Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz Road Creative Residencies - FAQ Resources for Jazz Artists Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts: Touring Exhibition Grant & Fellowship Recipients How to Obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) State Partner and Presenter Networks Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund Donate to the Recovery Fund Open and Upcoming Grants & Opportunities Community & Organizations Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts The Southern Prize and State Fellowships is open to visual artists in our nine-state region to support, expose, and celebrate the breadth, depth and diversity of artistic excellence. Application Deadline: March 16 Southern Circuit: Call for Screening Partners Screening Partners select films and filmmakers to tour from a curated shortlist of submitted and invited films. Films are evaluated for consideration based on the subject matter and themes, potential programming or partnerships, and the film's relationship to the South. Become A Screening Partner for the 2026-2027 Southern Circuit Jazz artists, take your music to places it's never been. Jazz Road Tours offer grants of up to $15,000 to develop tours into communities across the country. Southern Circuit: Call for Filmmakers We collaborate with a network of Screening Partner venues and filmmakers to share the transformative power of indie films with communities across the South. Submit your film for consideration Rolling Deadline through April 30, 2026 Open to organizations in rural, isolated, or small communities, the Arts in Rural Places Grant program offers expedited awards of up to $3,000 supporting community engagement projects. Rolling Deadline through April 30, 2026 The Artist Creative Practice Grant supports a variety of professional development opportunities including milestone activities in an artist's career that will likely lead to substantial career growth. Rolling Deadline through April 30, 2026 Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations These grants offer up to $1,000 to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz artists, apply for a grant to explore your work in new ways. Grants of $5,000-$40,000 available to support a residency you propose & develop for artistic creation or connecting with audiences. This free, ongoing, webinar series offers timely, topic-driven sessions that respond to the evolving needs of the field, providing practical tools, insights, and industry best practices. Call for Presenters and Venues We are looking for presenters of all types, from Application snapshot: target deadline March 18, 2026; published funding information $5,000 - $30,000; eligibility guidance Professional visual artists residing in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations is sponsored by The Wallace Foundation. Supports the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations for increasing organizational capacity, growth, and operational stability. Funds can support staff or board participation at conferences, workshops, and training. Geographic focus: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee Focus areas: Organizational Capacity, Arts Administration, Professional Development Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations | South Arts Staff and Board of Directors Emerging Traditional Artists Program Field Work Collection (Berea College) Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz Road Creative Residencies - FAQ Resources for Jazz Artists Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts: Touring Exhibition Grant & Fellowship Recipients How to Obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) State Partner and Presenter Networks Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund Donate to the Recovery Fund Professional Development Grants for Arts Organizations See All Grants & Opportunities South Arts strongly believes that skill and knowledge building for arts organizations are integral to success and sustainability. These grants are designed to support the professional development needs of Southern arts organizations for increasing organizational capacity to achieve long-term sustainability, growth, and/or operational stability. This grant program is open to film, visual arts, performing arts, traditional arts, literary arts, and multidisciplinary arts organizations. Funding can support staff or board participation at conferences, workshops, and other professional development opportunities and events. In addition, these grants can support expenses for in-person and virtual professional development for organization-wide staff learning and training. Funds support travel expenses (for example, lodging and air/ground transportation), admission/registration fees, or other related expenses (for example, consultant/service fees for staff learning/training sessions). Due to limited funds, this grant is open to arts organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less. New applicants are encouraged to contact program director Nikki Estes at 404-874-7244 x816 to discuss eligibility before submitting an application. All program funding is contingent on the availability of funds for the program. In the event that a program is terminated, grant awards will not be made, and applicants could have to return unspent funds. Important Dates & Deadlines Applications open on July 16, 2025 and are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the professional development start date. Applicants will be notified by email within four weeks of submission. Please note that Professional Development Grants are subject to funding availability. Projects must take place between October 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026 . The following is a top-level list of the main eligibility requirements necessary to be considered for a Professional Development Grant. Please refer to the full list of eligibility requirements in the Guidelines. Be a tax-exempt nonprofit, an official unit of local, county, or state government, or a federally recognized tribal community based within South Arts' nine-state service area (AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, Application snapshot: target deadline April 30, 2026; published funding information Up to $1,000; eligibility guidance 501(c)(3) arts organizations in the South Arts region with operating budgets of $500,000 or less. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
Artist Creative Practice Grant is sponsored by The Wallace Foundation. Supports individual artists pursuing a milestone career opportunity that has the potential to significantly advance their artistic career or creative journey. Geographic focus: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee Focus areas: Professional Development, Creative Practice Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt: Artist Creative Practice | South Arts Staff and Board of Directors Emerging Traditional Artists Program Field Work Collection (Berea College) Jazz Road Creative Residencies Jazz Road Creative Residencies - FAQ Resources for Jazz Artists Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers Southern Prize and State Fellowships for Visual Arts: Touring Exhibition Grant & Fellowship Recipients How to Obtain a UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) State Partner and Presenter Networks Southern Arts Relief & Recovery Fund Donate to the Recovery Fund See All Grants & Opportunities South Arts recognizes the importance of professional development in building artists’ careers. Even with stipends or payments, overall expenses can make participating in these opportunities inaccessible. South Arts offers Artist Creative Practice Grants (formerly Individual Artist Career Opportunity Grants) to ensure that artists from our region can take advantage of a variety of career enhancing opportunities. The Artist Creative Practice Grant supports a variety of professional development opportunities including milestone activities in an artist's career that will likely lead to substantial career growth. Grants up to $3,000 are available for opportunities taking place between November 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Individuals receiving this award are eligible to apply for other South Arts funding including the Southern Prize and State Fellowships, Jazz Road, and others for projects unrelated to the proposed activity. However, you cannot use South Arts' funds as a match for this program. South Arts is committed to ensuring that all artists in the region regardless of background or economic status are provided with an opportunity to apply. Artists can contact us with any questions about the program or the application process. Contact Emmitt Stevenson, Artist Engagement Director, at estevenson@southarts.org. Please refer to the following guidelines while preparing your Artist Creative Practice grant application. Eligibility The applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements: Be an individual professional-caliber working artist in one or more of the following artistic disciplines: Dance (choreography or performance). Music (production, composition, songwriting, or performance). Opera/musical theatre (producing, directing or performance). Theatre (producing, directing, acting, or playwriting). Visual arts (painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture, or Crafts (ceramics, fiber, glass, leather, metal, paper, plastic, or Design arts (architecture, fashion, theatrical, graphic, industrial, or Media arts (TV or film production, experimental film, screenwriting, Vernacular, Folk and Traditional Art. Literature (poetry, prose, spoken word). Time-based arts (installation, sound, video art, computer-generated art, or performance art). Public art (ephemeral or permanent). Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application. Be a legal resident of the United States and the South Arts region (Alabama, Application snapshot: target deadline April 30, 2026; published funding information Up to $3,000; eligibility guidance Individual artists residing in the 9-state South Arts region. Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
