Program Details

On the Road with Side Door is an incentive program available to Artists who performed at Folk Alliance International (FAI) and/or South by Southwest (SXSW) in 2023. Eligible Artists touring around the U.S. can apply for a $500 USD guarantee for each of their public ticketed Side Door shows that take place anytime in 2023. The guarantee is in addition to the net ticket revenue split from shows.

This program aims to assist artists find meaningful shows while touring in the U.S. and help top up the gas tank. Our mission is to provide Artists with a sustainable revenue stream, directly connect Hosts and Presenters with talent, and give Guests access to memorable entertainment. 

Guarantees are issued on a first-come-first-serve basis. There is a limit to two guarantees per artist per year (unless otherwise noted). One guarantee will be issued per show if there are two eligible artists. Please read terms and conditions carefully.

Side Door strongly encourages applications from under-represented groups. Applications with diverse programming and shows that promote under-represented voices will be prioritized.


Junaco at Side Door SXSW Showcase

Junaco at the Side Door x SXSW 2022 showcase.


Who can apply?

This program is reserved for FAI and/or SXSW 2023 showcasing Artists playing ticketed Side Door shows throughout the U.S. until December 31, 2023.

  • Artists must have showcased at FAI and/or SXSW 2023 

  • Can be solo or group

  • Can be any genre or live performance type

  • Can be from anywhere in the world


Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the $500 USD guarantee, the show must meet the following criteria:

  • Artist must create a Show Call for desired location and date (what is a Show Call?)

  • Show Call must be shared publicly on socials (tag us or use hashtag #ontheroadwithsidedoor) or newsletters

  • Show must be booked and ticketed through Side Door, public and in-person, and take place in the months of January through December 2023 in the U.S.

  • Shows must be booked at least 30 days before show date

In an effort to grow the Side Door community, help spread the word about shows in non-traditional performance spaces, and to inspire fans to host their favorite artists, we have structured these criteria to encourage growth and build awareness about the need for more performance spaces. The more people who know about Side Door, the more hosts we can find and the more revenue streams we can create for artists. Thank you in advance for sharing in any way you can. 

If you have any questions about the criteria, please contact Projects and Partnerships Manager Gianna at gianna@sidedooraccess.com.

Terms updated July 13, 2023

  • Program step-by-step:

    1. Create an Artist profile on Side Door and fully complete the profile.

    2. Post a Show Call (or many!) for desired performance locations and dates. The Show Call sends an automatic message to all existing Side Door hosts in that region.

    3. To widen your net, post about your Show Call(s) on your social media tag us or use hashtag #ontheroadwithsidedoor and/or newsletter mailing list to recruit your fans to host you. Fans make great hosts!

    4. Connect with hosts who respond to your Show Call, or recruit hosts through your own network to sign up with Side Door and connect to the show. Book a public-ticketed Side Door show with your Host Connection.

    5. Submit an application for a chance to receive show guarantee.

    6. Promote your show! Have a fun and safe tour!

    7. Once the show is complete and you have sold a minimum of 25% of ticket sales, invoice Side Door for your $500 USD guarantee.

    Show Guarantee Application.

    • All shows must be based in the U.S., public and with paid tickets via Side Door, and take place anytime in the months of January through December 2023.

    • In-person shows must have a minimum 20 tickets on sale.

    • Shows must sell a minimum of 25% of the available tickets to receive guarantee.

    • All shows must be completed on or before December 31, 2023

    • Funds are first-come-first-serve and the program may end before December 2023 if all funds are allocated before that date.

    • Applications must be filled out by Artist.

    • Guarantees will be issued after Side Door receives an invoice from the Artist.

    • Side Door reserves the right to cancel the show and/or guarantee at any time. If the show is canceled, the guarantee will not be issued. Side Door reserves the right to make changes to the program at any time.

    • We strongly recommend that shows be booked at least 3 weeks out from the application submission date in order to be approved for funding.

    • Agree that Side Door has permission to use your promo materials and the video/audio/photographic content created and/or produced from the event in order to promote Side Door.

    An internal Side Door committee will jury each application based on program eligibility and potential for success and respond within 5 business days of applying. Recipients must meet all the criteria above. The program is first-come-first-serve.

    We expect all program participants to uphold our commitment to welcoming each user and supporting their needs and goals. This includes (but is not limited to) support for racialized, Indigenous, newcomer, trans, and non-binary, and users with access needs related to physical and mental health.