The rural arts scheme works very well if you don't plan your events too far ahead. We have used that scheme once for The New Rope String Band. Its a very good scheme.

However, there are some drawbacks.
Sometimes, 2 village halls maybe 5 miles from each other get the same gig in the same week. Result is that the organisers finish up fighting for the same audience (well thats what its like in Lincolnshire)

You have to say what acts you want a couple of months ahead, with no guarantee of getting what you want.

So if you have a well organised venue, that plans ahead, it basically doesn't work.