Phase Two of UK Artist Touring fund will launch this summer as LIVE Trust expands grassroots music investment

The UK Artist Touring (UKAT) fund is set to expand this summer following a new round of funding from the LIVE Trust, as the industry-led initiative continues to support artists that face financial barriers to touring.

Developed by the FAC in partnership with the Music Managers Forum (MMF) and Musicians’ Union (MU), UKAT provides targeted tour support to emerging and mid-tier artists, to make domestic touring financially viable, more sustainable and accessible.

UKAT was among the programmes supported through the LIVE Trust’s Phase One funding round, which distributed £500,000 to initiatives to strengthen the grassroots ecosystem. Phase Two sees LIVE Trust double its investment, bringing total funding distributed through the Trust to £1.5 million, and expanding support for artists, venues, festivals, promoters and the wider live music workforce.

The latest funding will allow UKAT to build on its initial phase, expanding the programme’s reach and providing more artists with support to get on the road. By reducing the financial pressures associated with touring, UKAT helps artists to reach audiences across the country, support the supply chain of workers and services that rely on live activity for income and enable artists to present their live shows properly.

The announcement comes as the LIVE Trust continues to demonstrate the impact of the industry-led approach to supporting grassroots music and contributing to a stronger live music ecosystem across the UK. Since launching in 2025, the Trust has already supported hundreds of venues, festivals, shows and artists through funding generated by voluntary £1 ticket contributions from large-scale live events.

The FAC is proud to continue working alongside LIVE Trust, MMF and MU to deliver UKAT and ensure artists remain at the centre of efforts to build a stronger future.

To be kept up to date on the UK Artist Touring Fund, including eligibility criteria, application timelines and programme developments, sign up as an FAC PRO Member.  You can also stay up to date via the UKAT hub.