News
Conference Artists Call Outs
19 January 2026
This year’s conference will be taking place from 9 – 11 June.
Our exciting 3 day event will be at the Wolverhampton Arts Centre, WV1 4AN.
We are now looking for rural touring artists interested in taking part in the conference.
There are 2 ways that artists can apply to take part in the conference, either with a Ballyhoo or a Showcase.
Please read on to find out which one is most suited to you and your work.
You can find key dates and application links at the end of the page.
Ballyhoo
Ballyhoo: a showperson’s touting speech, or a performance advertising a show – bombastic nonsense; extravagant or brash publicity; noisy fuss.
Roll up, roll up and ballyhoo at the NRTF Conference 2026! Ballyhoos are NRTF’s own brand of mini-showcase. We provide an audience, an exciting performance space and a microphone, and you provide the rest! We invite you to make a bombastic speech or performance, touting your project to NRTF Members.
Who: Anyone with an idea that needs a partnership, development or feedback to prepare it for Rural Touring.
What: A 5 min ‘elevator pitch’ of an idea (partnership work, development or something else) you are excited to share with NRTF Conference Delegates
Where: Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley St, Wolverhampton, WV1 4AN
When: 9, 10, 11 June 2026
Fee: NRTF offers a fee of £200 including travel, plus a Conference ticket and accommodation if needed.
Three things to consider when deciding if a Ballyhoo is the right way to showcase your idea
- You have researched what it is to rural tour: The Rural Touring Guide
- You will have an idea that requires partnership work, development or something else to get it off the ground before it can tour. It may be ready to tour in 2027 but this isn’t a requirement.
- You have a solid idea of requirements such as space, tech, length, wrap-around for the presentation – Delegates will have questions for you following your pitch, so you’ll need to have a good sense of how your idea will make sense in rural venues.
If you’re unsure if a Ballyhoo is right for you, please feel free to contact Sarah on ev****@******rg.uk. If your work is tour-ready, consider applying for a Showcase instead.
Successful applicants will be sent a Ballyhoo Performance Guide and be invited to a 60 min online session prior to the Conference.
Artists Showcase
Who: Artists ready to showcase their tour-ready work live at the NRTF Conference
What: A 20 minute performance of an excerpt of work suitable for rural touring.
Where: Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley St, Wolverhampton WV1 4AN
When: 9, 10 or 11 June 2026
Fee: NRTF offers a showcase fee (if you are shortlisted we will ask for a budget breakdown) plus a Full Conference Ticket and accommodation if needed.
Three things to consider when deciding if you are ready to showcase your work
- You have researched what it is to rural tour: The Rural Touring Guide
- Your show is finished and ready to be programmed into Rural Touring seasons Spring 2027, Autumn 2027
- You have a tour pack or booking information ready for your work: NRTF Tour Pack Essentials
For more information on Artist Showcases, have a look at these top tips. If you’re unsure if a Showcase is right for you, please feel free to contact Sarah on ev****@******rg.uk. If your work needs more development, consider applying for a Ballyhoo instead.
Successful applicants will be contacted to discuss their exact requirements and possible showcase timings.
Key Dates:
- Monday 2nd February, 1pm – Q&A session for anyone interested in finding out more. Sign up by emailing ev****@******rg.uk (This will be available to watch later in the week, for those that cannot attend).
- Wednesday 18th February, 6pm – Q&A session for anyone wanting to apply but have a few more questions before completing the application. Please make sure you watch the video from 2nd Feb before attending. Sign up by emailing ev****@******rg.uk
- Monday 23rd February 12 noon – applications close