Crossing Borders took diverse, high quality work to rural communities with the support of local volunteers. This project enhanced community cohesion and gave rural audiences access to high quality performances through a sustainable touring model. 

Crossing Borders was supported by Perform Europe and was delivered by 11 partners from eight European countries. The majority of the partners were part of SPARSE Network (Supporting and Promoting the Arts in Rural Settlements of Europe), which is committed to rural touring. By building on the experience and research findings of SPARSE, the intention was to develop cross-border touring and the presentation of the performing arts by utilising the resources of hyperlocal networks and communities, and capitalising on the benefits of rural touring for artists. 

For this pilot project comprising 24 presentations, the partners toured work by two companies:

– We toured Routine by Company Zid, a Moroccan parkour company based in France, to rural communities in Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Lithuania, and Estonia

– Art Fraction Foundation (Poland) toured KUUKI,  an under 5’s dance show, to rural communities in Spain, UK, Germany, and Czech Republic

The full list of partners were: Crying Out Loud (UK), Take Art Limited (UK), Art Fraction Foundation (Poland), Creative Association Fish Eye (Lithuania), SINUM Theatre Laboratory Association (Hungary), Nova sit z.s. (Czech Republic), Carn to Cove (UK), Festival Sismograf – OlotCultura (Spain), SA Eesti Tantsuagentuur (Estonia), Pro progressione (Hungary), Teatro 4Garoupas (Germany).