Open Call for Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants (Australia)

Deadline: 17-Aug-2026

The Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants provide up to $30,000 in funding for high-quality arts projects that benefit regional and remote artists, arts workers, audiences, and communities across Western Australia. The programme supports creative projects that strengthen cultural development, improve opportunities for regional artists, and build sustainable arts ecosystems outside metropolitan areas.

Managed by Regional Arts WA and funded by the Australian Government, the programme helps regional communities develop innovative and impactful arts activities.

Overview of the Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants

The Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants are designed to support creative projects that contribute to the growth and sustainability of regional and remote arts communities in Western Australia.

The programme provides funding for:

• Creative arts projects.
• Community-based cultural activities.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Artist employment opportunities.
• Collaborative arts initiatives.
• Cross-disciplinary creative projects.

Projects must demonstrate clear benefits for regional or remote communities and contribute to the broader regional arts sector.

Purpose of the Regional Arts Fund

The main purpose of the Project Grants programme is to strengthen arts and cultural activity in regional and remote Western Australia.

The fund aims to:

• Support sustainable cultural development.
• Increase opportunities for regional artists and arts workers.
• Encourage partnerships and creative networks.
• Expand community participation in the arts.
• Improve employment pathways in the creative sector.
• Strengthen the quality and sustainability of regional arts activities.

The programme recognizes the important role of arts and culture in building connected, resilient, and economically active communities.

Funding Amount and Grant Details

The Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants provide:

• Maximum funding available: Up to $30,000.
• Project start date requirement: Projects must commence from 1 January 2027.

The final grant amount depends on:

• The quality of the project proposal.
• Expected community and artistic impact.
• Project scope.
• Available funding within Western Australia.

Funding decisions are made through an independent assessment process.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include individuals and organisations based in regional Western Australia.

Applicants may include:

• Individual artists.
• Arts workers.
• Incorporated not-for-profit organisations.
• Local governments.

Applicants must have an eligible regional or remote location classification.

Location Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have a physical address classified as:

• MMM 2 or above under the Modified Monash Model (MMM).

The Modified Monash Model is a classification system used in Australia to identify areas based on geographic location and access to services.

Applicants should confirm that their location meets the required regional or remote classification before applying.

Applicant Requirements

Eligible applicants must:

• Be based in regional Western Australia.
• Hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Be registered for GST if required.
• Meet the programme’s organisational requirements.

Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to successfully deliver the proposed arts project.

Who Is Not Eligible to Apply?

The programme does not support certain applicant types.

Ineligible applicants include:

• For-profit companies.
• Unincorporated organisations without an eligible auspicing body.
• Applicants who do not meet regional location requirements.
• Organisations without required business registration details.

Unincorporated groups may apply only if they are supported by an eligible organisation acting as an auspice.

Eligible Creative Practice Areas

The Regional Arts Fund supports a broad range of creative disciplines.

Eligible projects may involve:

• Visual arts.
• Performing arts.
• Music.
• Theatre.
• Dance.
• Literature.
• Digital arts.
• Film and media.
• First Nations arts and cultural activities.
• Interdisciplinary creative practices.

Projects may combine multiple art forms where they demonstrate meaningful community and artistic outcomes.

Types of Projects Supported

The fund supports projects that benefit regional and remote arts communities.

Examples include:

Community Arts Projects

Projects that:

• Increase community participation.
• Build cultural connections.
• Engage local audiences.
• Create shared artistic experiences.

Artist Development Projects

Projects that:

• Provide professional development.
• Improve creative skills.
• Create mentoring opportunities.
• Support career growth.

Collaborative Arts Initiatives

Projects that:

• Build partnerships.
• Connect artists and organisations.
• Develop regional creative networks.

Employment and Opportunity Creation

Projects that:

• Provide paid opportunities for artists.
• Support arts workers.
• Strengthen creative careers.

How Projects Are Assessed

Applications are assessed by an independent panel made up of artists and cultural workers from across Western Australia.

Assessment considers:

• Artistic quality.
• Community benefit.
• Regional impact.
• Project feasibility.
• Contribution to cultural development.
• Sustainability and long-term outcomes.

The assessment panel evaluates how effectively the project supports regional arts priorities.

How to Apply for the Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants

Applicants should follow a structured application process.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before applying, applicants should confirm:

• Their location meets MMM 2 or above requirements.
• They have an active ABN.
• They are an eligible applicant type.
• Their project benefits regional or remote communities.

Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The creative idea.
• The artistic goals.
• The community benefits.
• The target audience.
• The expected outcomes.

A strong proposal should demonstrate why the project is valuable to the regional arts sector.

Step 3: Prepare a Project Budget

Applicants should provide a realistic budget showing:

• Project expenses.
• Artist fees.
• Production costs.
• Community engagement costs.
• Other funding contributions.

The budget should demonstrate responsible financial planning.

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applicants must submit their application according to programme requirements.

Applications should include:

• Project details.
• Applicant information.
• Budget information.
• Supporting materials.
• Evidence of community benefit.

Step 5: Deliver the Approved Project

Successful applicants must:

• Complete the project as approved.
• Use funds for approved purposes.
• Promote the project appropriately.
• Meet reporting requirements.

Promotion and Recognition Requirements

Successful recipients must acknowledge funding support.

Recipients are required to:

• Display Regional Arts Fund logos on promotional materials.
• Recognise programme support in project communications.
• Follow branding requirements provided by the fund administrators.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

• Clearly explaining regional community benefits.
• Demonstrating artistic quality.
• Providing realistic timelines.
• Including strong partnerships.
• Showing how the project supports artists and audiences.
• Explaining long-term cultural impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without confirming regional eligibility.
• Proposing projects without clear community benefits.
• Providing incomplete budgets.
• Failing to explain artistic outcomes.
• Submitting projects that do not support regional or remote communities.
• Ignoring promotional recognition requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants

What is the Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants programme?

The Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants provide financial support for arts projects that benefit regional and remote artists, arts workers, audiences, and communities in Western Australia.

How much funding can applicants receive?

Eligible projects can receive up to $30,000 in funding.

Who manages the Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants?

The programme is managed by Regional Arts WA and funded by the Australian Government.

What types of creative projects are eligible?

The fund supports projects across all areas of creative practice, including visual arts, performance, music, digital arts, cultural activities, and cross-disciplinary projects.

Who can apply for the grant?

Eligible applicants include regional artists, arts workers, incorporated not-for-profit organisations, and local governments located in regional Western Australia.

What location requirements apply?

Applicants must have a physical address classified as MMM 2 or above under the Modified Monash Model.

How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed by an independent panel of artists and cultural workers based on artistic quality, community impact, project feasibility, and available funding.

Conclusion

The Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants provide valuable support for strengthening arts and cultural activity across regional and remote Western Australia. By offering up to $30,000 for high-quality creative projects, the programme helps artists, communities, and organisations develop sustainable cultural opportunities.

Regional artists, arts workers, and eligible organisations with projects that create meaningful artistic and community impact are encouraged to apply and contribute to a stronger regional arts ecosystem.

For more information, visit Regional Arts WA.