Round 21 of the Festivals Australia program is now open, with over $700,000 available to support arts projects delivered in regional and remote areas.

Moonda Nurra performance at Festival of Outback Skies in Hughenden, Queensland. A large golden puppet snake is shown over a crowd at night.
Moonda Nurra performance at Festival of Outback Skies, 4 May 2025. Photo by Phil Copp. Supported by a 2024 Festivals Australia grant.

Festivals Australia provides approx. $1.4 million in funding each year through two rounds for projects that allow people in regional or remote Australia to participate in arts-driven experiences, helping to connect communities and foster local talent.

The program recognises the crucial role regional and remote festivals play in telling Australian stories—a key focus of Revive, Australia's National Cultural Policy.

Activities eligible for support include, but are not limited to, performances, workshops, installations, parades or exhibitions held as part of a festival or a significant one-off community event in regional or remote Australia.

Previous recipients include:

  • Moonda Nurra, QLD—a rainbow serpent and spiritual dreamtime story of the Yirendali people, told through a performance at the Festival of Outback Skies held in Hughenden and in collaboration between traditional owners, community and professional artists.
  • Castlemaine Fringe 2025 Opening Night Spectacular! VIC—the opening event of the 16-day Castlemaine Fringe Festival, which included live music, dance, roving street theatre, live art installations, community choirs and marching bands.
  • BEACON, TAS—an immersive dance work featuring 80 local performers designed to examine an uncertain future, help unite the community and build connections. Performed in Launceston as part of the Ten Days on the Island festival.

Round 21 of the Festivals Australia program is open for applications until 7 October 2025.

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