Round 22 of the Festivals Australia program is open to applications for arts projects at festivals and community events in regional and remote Australia.

A group of people performing on a stage, holding instruments. A man holding a microphone is front and centre.
Big Name No Blankets Darwin Amphitheatre, photo by Elise Derwin

Festivals Australia supports engaging arts projects that invite community participation and audience engagement in regional and remote Australia.

The Festivals Australia program provides $1.48 million annually over 2 funding rounds for projects that give people in regional and remote Australia the opportunity to experience place-based arts and culture in their community. Projects starting from 1 July 2026 are eligible to apply for Round 22.

  • Recent successful projects include: Red Hot Arts Central Australia Inc – Dream Big 2025 – Northern Territory: a youth event empowering First Nations and at-risk youth through hip-hop, storytelling, and mentorship as part of Desert Festival 2025. Artist led song writing workshops culminated in a live concert, providing young people with industry skills, confidence and community connection.
  • Mundubbera Enterprise Association: Spotlight North Burnett – Rising Beyond the Berries: A cultural development program to identify mentors and showcase emerging performers from across the region. It will include music, dance, comedy and cultural expression as part of Queensland’s Mundubbera Blueberry Festival.
  • Lewis Major Projects: Triptych and Lien: Two dance works that have toured internationally and will be presented at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier as part of the Adelaide Fringe 2026 regional program. This double presentation will bring South Australian artistry directly to regional audiences, complemented by artist Q&As, open rehearsals, community dance and technical workshops.

For more information and to apply visit the Festivals Australia program page.