Wyoming Arts Council

Funding Available to Connect Indie Musicians with Nonprofit Venues

Featured News | March 6, 2017

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WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation), in association with the Wyoming Arts Council, launched its new IMTour.org™ site late last week. An extension of the Independent Music on Tour (IMTour™) grant, the website pairs independent musicians with presenting nonprofit organizations in the western United States. With close ties to the Denver music community, WESTAF recognized the unique challenges of the traditional touring structure for independent musicians––in particular, financial viability. Hoping to change this paradigm, WESTAF developed IMTour™ to offer musicians career development tools and lucrative performance opportunities, all made available through crowd-sourced funding, grant dollars, and private donations.

“There has been a real gap in the worlds of independent musicians and nonprofit presenters,” says Shawn King, Colorado Music Ambassador and member of the rock group Devotchka. “Working with nonprofit presenters can build new audiences and sustainable professional opportunities that artists can’t find in club venues. IMTour is the tool that will bridge that gap.”

IMTour.org currently boasts a subsidy fund of over $250,000. Presenters should apply now at IMTour.org for funds channeled through state, public, and private organizations and then use them to present an IMTour Roster Artist. Wyoming Presenters should also note that receiving this grant does not impact other Wyoming Arts Council grant funding opportunities. It is possible to apply for both.

Roster Artists can create a profile, share samples of their work, and post information about their touring interests. They can also search for, contact, and book shows with nonprofit presenters directly through the site, which is now live and accepting applications. Independent musicians can create a free profile and Electronic Press Kit (EPK) at IMTour.org.

WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation) is a regional arts nonprofit that strengthens the financial, organizational, and policy infrastructure of the arts in the West. WESTAF assists state arts agencies, arts organizations, and artists in their quest to serve diverse audiences, enrich the lives of local communities, and provide access to the arts and arts education for all. Through innovative programming, advocacy, research, technology, and grantmaking, WESTAF encourages the creative advancement and preservation of the arts.

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