How Villages in Action Works

Every Spring VIA publishes a "Menu" of professional performances that can be booked by rural communities at subsidised prices. Each event is put on in partnership between local people (the "promoter") and VIA. So, how does it work?

Villages in Action (VIA) is responsible for:

• Sending out a programme or "Menu" of arts events, with a booking form. This usually happens in April each year

• Liaising with the village promoter to agree dates and discuss technical requirements for the performances they have chosen

• Sending contracts to artists, providing them with details of the venue and contact names

• Providing, if required, publicity material prior to the event including tickets and up to 50 A4 posters and 200 A5 leaflets

• Circulating a press-release to local newspapers and radio

• Providing advice on marketing and technical matters when requested

• Paying the fee to the performers

The Village Promoter is responsible for:

• Choosing and booking the events through VIA

• Completing and returning the Promoter Agreement forms as soon as possible, thus forming a contract with VIA for the event

• Organising the hire and payment for the venue

• Ensuring that the venue is suitably equipped and properly licensed for your event

• Agreeing ticket prices with VIA

• Distributing publicity material and advertising the event locally (Parish Mags etc)

• Organising the sale of tickets

• Running the event on the day; arranging access for performers to set up, organising volunteers for front of house etc.; organising refreshments for audience and performers

• Hosting visiting artists - overnight hospitality is often required for performers on tour

• Paying the agreed basic fee plus 60% of the box-office takings over that sum

• Filling in the Event Report form within 7 days of the event

Villages in Action can also support the cost of workshops with professional artists using the same mechanism as described above. Contact us for more details.