South Arts strengthens the South through advancing excellence in the arts, connecting the arts to key state and national policies and nurturing a vibrant quality of life.
Jazz Road Tours grant program aims to help emerging and mid-career jazz artists take their music to new places, specifically targeting communities traditionally underserved by jazz. Offering up to $15,000, these grants support small tours of three to six sites across the country, including rural areas. The program encourages tours that provide continuity for the artists, allowing them to solidify their music and establish a band identity. A significant component is prioritizing performances in areas lacking live jazz opportunities and proposals that demonstrate the tour's beneficial impact on the artist's career. Applications are competitive, with considerations for tours that include engagements in rural or underserved communities.