Heartland Men’s Chorus, Kansas City

Touring Performers in Missouri

The Missouri Arts Council is dedicated to providing performance arts experiences for audiences throughout the state to nurture appreciation for Missouri’s diverse cultural resources. We do this in two ways: we promote touring artists on our directory, and we financially support their performances throughout Missouri (and a six-state region through Mid-America Arts Alliance).

Artists formally apply to be included in the directory. They are reviewed by a Missouri Arts Council panel for their artistic quality, management ability, and touring experience. We then offer Express Touring Grants to nonprofit presenters such as schools, libraries, and community centers to assist them in bringing artists from the directory to perform in their communities.

  • Find a Touring Performer

    Our directory is a searchable database of performing artists based in Missouri who are seeking opportunities to perform at venues across the state.

    Browse or search the directory

  • Be a Touring Performer

    In Fall 2023, we will accept new applications for the Missouri Touring Performers Directory. Interested artists should sign up for our emails here.

    School Touring Qualified

    Applications to become School Touring Qualified are accepted throughout the year. The selection process for becoming School Touring Qualified is independent of the process for being listed on the Missouri Touring Performers Directory. Artists and arts organizations are selected by an independent panel. Applicants need not apply for or already be listed on the Missouri Touring Performers Directory. School Touring Qualified artists are identified in the Missouri Touring Performers Directory.

    Guide to School Touring Qualified

  • Present a Touring Performer

    We are accepting applications for Express Touring Grants for Schools and Communities for FY2024 (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024).

    If your organization is eligible to receive Missouri Arts Council funding (tax-exempt, Missouri-based) you may apply for an Express Community Touring Grant to support presenting a performer from the Missouri Touring Performers Directory. An organization may apply once per fiscal year, for a maximum of $5,000.

    School Touring Grants fund PK-12 schools to pay a portion of the artistic fee charged for schools and organizations to present School Touring Qualified artist(s) during school assemblies. Schools may apply once per fiscal year, for a maximum of $1,500 per school building.

    FY24 Guide to Express Touring Grants for Schools and Communities