A SPECIAL €1 million Arts Council touring grant has been awarded to 44 individual artists and organisations to take their shows on tour nationwide.
Theatre, flamenco, circus performances, literary discussions, exhibitions, choirs and storytellers are among the arts organisations who will tour every county in the next few months.
A similar scheme operated in 2007 and 2008 when plays, concerts and exhibitions went on a State-wide tour.
Those benefiting from the grant include the Druid theatre company who, with a grant of €80,000 will take Seán O'Casey's The Silver Tassieon tour in a production, directed by Gary Hynes that involves participation from local children where the company tours.
The Pan Pan theatre company, with a €32,000 grant, will also undertake a national tour of Oedipus Loves You, based on the plays and writings of Seneca and Sophocles.
Chairwoman of the Arts Council Pat Moylan said people across Ireland “are eager to see high-quality work” and the arts “also play a vital role in the local economy, creating local jobs and attracting tourists with great performances and exhibitions in so many local centres”.