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Development programmes

Micro-Networks

The value of the micro-network model

The Touring Network’s micro-network development programme has been running since 2023.

Each year, a group of rural promoters are selected to come together to form a micro-network. For a period of approximately 18 months, the group are provided with financial assistance and personalised support and advice from The Touring Network’s Network Development Manager to programme a series of tours.

When venues operate as a micro-network, they help to ensure that:

  • live performances are better routed and more sustainable
  • arts venues and village halls can take risks and book performances they might not normally programme, because of increased efficiencies in resource use and expertise
  • performers are encouraged to spend more time in each area, allowing for engagement with schools and community groups, further contributing to the local economy

The micro-network programme is part of The Touring Network’s commitment to improving the sustainability of rural touring and to the Green Arts Charter, a collaborative charter designed for and by cultural organisations within the Green Arts Initiative.

The programme encourages rural promoters to strengthen relationships and collaborate with each other beyond the lifespan of the initial funding and support. Both the first and second micro-network groupings continue to collaborate and have both expanded their original memberships.

Micro-networks support less 'one-off' dates, meaning a reduction in emissions, less admin and costs for performers and a supportive network for the people booking shows, who are often volunteers.
Claire Mackay, Director of The Touring Network
The whole experience has been exceptional and helped our small venue and the volunteers who run it to build our skills and confidence in hosting a wider range of performances, learning alongside peer venues, and to form new friendships.
Applecross Village Hall

The North and Isles Micro-Network: 2025 - Present

The third iteration of our Micro-Network programme was established in late 2025. The six promoters involved are:

The group are currently selecting acts to tour their venues in summer/autumn 2026.

The Argyll Micro-Network: 2024-2026

Established in October 2024, our second micro-network’s founder members were: An Tobar in Mull, The Rockfield Centre in Oban, Craignish Village Hall, Dunoon Burgh Halls, Tayvallich Village Hall and Kilbrannan Sound in Carradale.

In summer 2025 the network selected two acts to tour their venues.

  • Vulva Voce

    Playing music entirely created by women and underrepresented artists from across history, Vulva Voce combine their musical influences of folk, contemporary classical, techno and beyond, to push the boundaries of how a string quartet can sound.

  • The Zawose Queens

    Pendo and Leah Zawose showcase the fluid polyrhythms and rapturous polyphonic singing of the Gogo (aka Wagogo) people of the arid, hilly Dodoma region of central Tanzania.

Being part of micro-network has meant that we can programme two amazing acts that we would not have otherwise been able to. Being part of a network of venues means that we have been able to offer a mini tour to artists, making it more desirable and more financially viable, while having less environmental impact.
Rachel Rogers, Craignish Village Hall

The Highland Micro-Network: 2023-2025

Founding members of the Highland micro-network pose casually in a village hall.

The Highland micro-network was our first micro-network group, established in March 2023 with six founding members: Applecross Village Hall, Ardross Village Hall, Cromarty Arts Trust, Eden Court Highlands, Nairn Community Centre, and Resolis Community Arts.

Between March 2023-August 2024 the Highland micro-network jointly booked three tours with a total of 15 shows taking place across the network’s venues: