Regional Arts Fund

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and organisations in each state and territory.

Who can apply

Regionally based artists, arts workers and organisations can apply for funding for their professional development and creative arts projects in regional and remote Australia.

When to apply

Check your state or territory organisation website for closing dates for applications.

Funding available

Check your state or territory organisation website to find out how much funding is available to you.

About the program

Funding application period

Check your state or territory organisation's website to find out when applications open and close in your area.

The Regional Arts Fund provides approximately $3.7 million per year to support artists and communities in regional and remote areas. Funds can be used to:

encourage and support sustainable economic, social and cultural development in regional communities;
develop partnerships and networks which leverage support for projects and encourage ongoing collaboration;
develop audiences and broaden community engagement with the arts; and
increase employment, professional development opportunities and profile of regional and remote artists.

The program funds a mix of quick-response and project grants.

When you apply for funding, you will need to show that your activities will have long-term cultural, economic and social benefits.

You can use the searchable map of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification Remoteness Area to help you identify the regional or remote location of your activity. The Department of Health administers the map.