Artists, audiences and venues are all playing their part in sustainable touring ecology.

The green credentials of small-scale rural productions are highlighted in a new report part-funded by the National Rural Touring Forum.

Take Art worked with Julie’s Bicycle on the new research which reveals the sustainable potential of the sector.

The pilot study analysed a four-date tour by singer songwriter Blair Dunlop across rural venues in Somerset and then compared the carbon emissions to a hypothetical show at an urban location.

It finds that a rural tour produces significantly less carbon than a single theatre show in a town or city. 

And it illustrates the environmental benefits of small-scale multi-purpose community spaces where art is brought closer to the doorstep of audiences.

The benefits of rural touring over town or city productions were stark compared to the hypothetical single urban show: 

• Blair Dunlop’s four shows produced 57% less carbon emissions per audience member.
• Audience travel emissions were 20% lower on the rural tour.
• Venues on the rural tour produced 90% less emissions. 

Holly Lombardo, director of the National Rural Touring Forum, said:

“We always knew that rural touring has a more environmentally-friendly impact than shows in urbanised areas. But this pilot report really highlights how green rural touring actually is.

“We see artists travelling to the audience rather than the other way around. Audiences walk or cycle to a venue rather than drive. And the venues themselves are taking on the challenge of carbon by using renewable energy systems.

“We know all about the mental wellbeing and cultural benefits rural touring brings to communities in far-flung places and now we can really start to talk about the environmental benefits too.” 

You can read the full report here