Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
Practice in Community is a national grant program by Regional Arts Australia, supported by Minderoo Foundation, that provides $160,000 over two years to independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) across regional, rural, and remote Australia. The program supports artists to lead community-engaged creative projects that strengthen social connections, cultural expression, and long-term community impact.
What Is Practice in Community?
Practice in Community is a national funding initiative that supports independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) across regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia.
The program provides long-term financial support for artists to develop their creative practice, build relationships with communities, and lead meaningful projects created in partnership with local people.
Rather than focusing only on final artistic outcomes, Practice in Community values the creative process, community relationships, collaboration, and social impact.
The initiative recognises artists as important contributors to community development, cultural identity, and positive social change.
About Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation
Practice in Community was launched by Regional Arts Australia with support from the Minderoo Foundation.
The initiative aims to strengthen the Community Arts and Cultural Development sector by investing in artists who use creativity to:
- Build stronger communities
- Encourage cultural participation
- Support local storytelling
- Create opportunities for connection
- Address community challenges through creative practice
The program contributes to a national network of artists working to create cultural and social change.
Purpose of Practice in Community Grants
The program is designed to support artists who work directly with communities through creative collaboration.
Key goals include:
- Supporting sustainable careers for regional artists
- Strengthening community-led creative projects
- Encouraging long-term partnerships between artists and communities
- Increasing access to arts participation outside major cities
- Sharing knowledge and learning across the CACD sector
- Supporting creativity as a tool for social development
Grant Amount and Funding Support
Successful artists receive significant financial and professional support.
Grant benefits include:
- Total Grant Value: $160,000 over two years
- Artist Fee: Funding equivalent to a part-time wage for the artist
- Project Costs: Support for creative project expenses
- Funding Duration: Two years
The grant funding can support costs such as:
- Creative materials
- Travel expenses
- Community engagement activities
- Project documentation
- Research and development
- Other approved project-related expenses
Additional Support for Grant Recipients
Beyond financial assistance, selected artists receive additional support to strengthen their practice.
Support may include:
- Professional mentoring
- Creative development opportunities
- Peer learning and networking
- Mental health and wellbeing resources
- Evaluation support
- Connection with a national artist network
This additional support helps artists maximise the long-term impact of their community projects.
What Is Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD)?
Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) is a creative practice where artists work collaboratively with communities to create meaningful cultural experiences.
CACD projects often focus on:
- Community storytelling
- Cultural identity
- Local history
- Social issues
- Community connection
- Shared creativity
- Collective problem-solving
Unlike traditional arts projects that focus mainly on a final product, CACD places importance on relationships, participation, and community involvement throughout the creative process.
Who Is Eligible for Practice in Community Grants?
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants must be:
- Individual artists
- Australian citizens or permanent residents
- Over 18 years of age
- Living outside a Major City of Australia
- Based in Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote, or Very Remote areas
- Living within 100 kilometres of the community where the project will occur
Professional Experience Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate:
- At least five years of experience in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) or community-engaged creative practice
- A proven history of working collaboratively with communities
- Experience delivering creative projects that involve community participation
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their previous work has created meaningful community outcomes.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following applicants are not eligible:
- Organisations
- Arts companies
- Community groups
- Artist collectives
- Applicants with conflicts of interest related to the program
The grant is specifically designed for individual independent artists leading community-based creative practice.
Why Practice in Community Grants Matter
Regional and remote communities often face challenges related to access, connection, cultural participation, and opportunities for creative expression.
Practice in Community addresses these challenges by supporting artists who use creativity to strengthen communities.
The program matters because it:
- Provides long-term support for regional artists
- Encourages community participation in creative activities
- Supports cultural preservation and storytelling
- Builds stronger local relationships
- Creates opportunities for communities to express their experiences
- Strengthens Australia’s CACD sector
How to Apply for Practice in Community Grants
Eligible artists should follow a structured application process.
Step 1: Review the Grant Guidelines
Applicants should carefully read the official guidelines to understand:
- Eligibility requirements
- Funding conditions
- Assessment criteria
- Project expectations
- Application requirements
Step 2: Prepare Your Project Proposal
Applicants should develop a clear proposal explaining:
- Their creative practice
- Community they will work with
- Project goals
- Community engagement approach
- Expected outcomes
- Long-term impact
Step 3: Gather Supporting Information
Applicants may need to provide:
- Evidence of artistic experience
- Examples of previous CACD projects
- Community engagement history
- Professional background information
- Supporting materials demonstrating creative practice
Step 4: Submit Application
Applications must be submitted according to the program instructions before the closing deadline.
Applicants should ensure all required information is complete before submission.
Step 5: Assessment and Selection
Applications are assessed based on factors such as:
- Strength of community engagement approach
- Experience in CACD practice
- Potential community impact
- Artistic capability
- Ability to deliver a long-term project
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their application by:
- Clearly explaining their community relationships
- Demonstrating previous CACD experience
- Focusing on community outcomes rather than only artistic products
- Providing specific examples of past projects
- Explaining how the project creates long-term value
- Showing understanding of local community needs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without meeting eligibility requirements
- Focusing only on the final artwork instead of the process
- Providing limited evidence of community engagement
- Submitting unclear project plans
- Failing to explain community benefits
- Applying as an organisation or collective when only individuals are eligible
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Practice in Community?
Practice in Community is a grant program supporting independent artists who work in Community Arts and Cultural Development across regional, rural, and remote Australia.
How much funding does each artist receive?
Each successful applicant receives $160,000 over two years.
Who funds the Practice in Community program?
The program is launched by Regional Arts Australia with support from Minderoo Foundation.
Who can apply for the grant?
Individual artists over 18 years old who are Australian citizens or permanent residents and live outside major Australian cities can apply if they meet the CACD experience requirements.
What type of projects does the grant support?
The program supports community-engaged creative projects that build connection, cultural expression, storytelling, and social impact.
Do applicants need CACD experience?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate at least five years of experience in CACD or community-engaged creative practice.
Can organisations apply for the grant?
No. The program is designed specifically for individual independent artists. Organisations, collectives, and groups are not eligible.
Conclusion
Practice in Community Grants provide significant support for independent artists using creativity to strengthen regional, rural, and remote Australian communities. By offering $160,000 over two years along with mentoring, professional development, and wellbeing support, the program helps artists lead meaningful community-driven projects.
The initiative recognises the power of arts and culture in creating connection, preserving stories, and supporting social change. Eligible artists with strong community engagement experience are encouraged to apply and contribute to the future of Community Arts and Cultural Development in Australia.
For more information, visit Regional Arts Australia.