Regional Arts Fund – Project Grants 2026 (Australia)

The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Project Grants provide funding of up to AUD 30,000 to support high-quality arts projects, professional development opportunities, and community capacity-building initiatives across regional and remote Australia. The program aims to strengthen artistic practice, expand access to arts and culture, and build vibrant, sustainable creative communities.

Eligible applicants must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) registered in regional or remote Australia and meet all program eligibility requirements. Projects may be delivered over a period of up to two years.

About the Regional Arts Fund Project Grants

The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an Australian Government initiative that supports the development of arts and cultural activities in regional and remote communities. The Project Grants stream provides financial assistance for projects that foster artistic excellence, enhance professional skills, and strengthen community participation in the arts.

The program encourages creative projects that contribute to the long-term sustainability of Australia’s regional arts sector while creating meaningful opportunities for artists, arts workers, audiences, and local communities.

Program Objectives

The Regional Arts Fund Project Grants aim to:

• Support high-quality arts and cultural projects.
• Strengthen artistic practice across regional and remote Australia.
• Provide professional development opportunities for artists and arts workers.
• Build community capacity through creative initiatives.
• Improve access to arts and cultural experiences.
• Encourage community participation in the arts.
• Foster sustainable arts and cultural development.
• Enhance collaboration within regional creative communities.

Funding Available

Successful applicants may receive:

• Up to AUD 30,000 per project.
• No minimum grant amount applies.

Funding allocations depend on the budget available within each participating state or territory.

Applicants requesting more than AUD 20,000 are encouraged to discuss their proposal with their relevant Regional Program Administrator Program Officer before submitting an application, as higher funding requests may not be feasible in all jurisdictions.

Project Duration

Funded projects may run for:

• Up to two years

This allows applicants sufficient time to plan, implement, and complete their proposed activities.

Eligible Projects

The program supports projects such as:

• Community arts initiatives.
• Creative collaborations.
• Professional development programs.
• Artist training and mentoring.
• Community capacity-building activities.
• Cultural engagement projects.
• Arts workshops and creative learning.
• Audience development initiatives.
• Regional exhibitions and performances.
• Cross-disciplinary arts projects.

Projects should deliver clear benefits to regional or remote communities.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Have the ABN registered in their own name.
• Be located in regional or remote Australia.
• Have a registered business postcode within an eligible regional or remote area.
• Be registered for Goods and Services Tax (GST) where required by the Australian Taxation Office.
• Meet all eligibility requirements established by the Regional Arts Fund.

Applicants must also:

• Have no outstanding reports or acquittals relating to previous Australian Government funding.
• Have no outstanding reports with a Regional Program Administrator.
• Have no serious breaches of previous grant agreements.

Ineligible Applicants

Applications may not be considered where applicants:

• Have outstanding grant reports or acquittals.
• Have committed serious breaches of previous Australian Government or Regional Arts Fund grant agreements.
• Do not meet ABN or regional eligibility requirements.

Additional ineligible applicant categories may vary depending on the relevant Regional Program Administrator.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may support costs associated with:

• Project delivery.
• Artist fees.
• Professional development.
• Workshop facilitation.
• Community engagement.
• Venue hire.
• Production expenses.
• Travel related to project delivery.
• Equipment directly supporting the project.
• Other eligible project costs approved under the program guidelines.

Why This Grant Matters

Regional communities often face barriers to accessing arts and cultural opportunities. The Regional Arts Fund helps to:

• Strengthen regional creative industries.
• Support local artists and arts workers.
• Increase community participation.
• Build long-term creative capacity.
• Promote cultural diversity.
• Foster artistic innovation.
• Enhance regional social and economic wellbeing.

By investing in regional arts, the program contributes to vibrant and resilient communities across Australia.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

• Your ABN is active.
• Your registered business address is located in regional or remote Australia.
• You meet all reporting and compliance requirements.

2. Develop Your Project

Prepare a project that:

• Aligns with the Regional Arts Fund objectives.
• Delivers clear community benefits.
• Supports artistic development or community capacity.

3. Prepare Your Budget

Develop a realistic budget outlining:

• Project costs.
• Funding requested.
• Other funding sources (if applicable).

Applicants requesting more than AUD 20,000 should consult their Regional Program Administrator before applying.

4. Gather Supporting Documentation

Prepare all required information, including:

• Organisation or applicant details.
• Project plan.
• Timeline.
• Budget.
• Supporting documents required by the relevant Regional Program Administrator.

5. Submit Your Application

Complete and submit the application through the appropriate Regional Program Administrator before the published closing date.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are generally assessed based on:

• Artistic quality.
• Community benefit.
• Alignment with program objectives.
• Project feasibility.
• Organisational or applicant capacity.
• Value for money.
• Long-term impact.
• Professional development outcomes.

Tips for Applicants

To strengthen your application:

• Clearly explain the need for the project.
• Demonstrate community involvement.
• Present measurable outcomes.
• Develop a realistic project timeline.
• Prepare a well-justified budget.
• Show how the project benefits regional or remote communities.
• Contact your Regional Program Administrator early if requesting a larger grant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Applying without an eligible ABN.
• Submitting incomplete budgets.
• Requesting funding without demonstrating community benefit.
• Ignoring eligibility requirements.
• Applying with outstanding grant reports.
• Failing to consult the Program Officer for larger funding requests.
• Proposing projects outside eligible regional or remote locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding is available?

Applicants may request up to AUD 30,000, with no minimum grant amount.

Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must have an active ABN registered in regional or remote Australia and satisfy all program eligibility requirements.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects may be delivered over a period of up to two years.

Can applicants request more than AUD 20,000?

Yes. However, applicants are encouraged to consult their Regional Program Administrator before submitting requests exceeding AUD 20,000.

Is GST registration required?

Yes, if GST registration is required under Australian Taxation Office regulations.

What happens if I have outstanding grant reports?

Applicants with outstanding reports, acquittals, or serious breaches relating to previous Australian Government or Regional Arts Fund grants are not eligible until those issues are resolved.

What types of projects are funded?

The program supports arts projects, professional development, creative collaborations, community capacity-building initiatives, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and other activities that benefit regional and remote communities.

Conclusion

The Regional Arts Fund Project Grants provide significant financial support for artists, arts workers, and organisations delivering creative projects in regional and remote Australia. With grants of up to AUD 30,000 and project durations of up to two years, the program strengthens artistic practice, builds community capacity, and expands access to arts and cultural experiences, helping regional communities thrive through creativity and collaboration.