REGIONAL Arts Australia is launching a “transformative” new funding initiative with $2.4 million dollars in support from Minderoo Foundation.
The program offers multi-year grants of $160,000 to support independent artists living and working in regional communities across Australia.
“Practice in Community” will deliver two funding rounds for independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) to co-create impactful projects within their regional community and help it thrive.
Expressions of Interest open in October for the initial funding round, where five artists will be selected to begin their projects in 2026, followed by a second round to create a cohort of six artists commencing in 2027.
“We’ve listened closely to what regional artists have told us,” said Ros Abercrombie, Executive Director, Regional Arts Australia.
“They have been asking for longer-term support to work in their communities – different types of funding opportunities to complement one-off project funding.
“Practice in Community is about investing in artists themselves and unlocking creativity as a catalyst for hope, connection and thriving regional communities.”
Penny Dakin, Executive Director of Communities at the Minderoo Foundation, said the organisation was proud to support Regional Arts Australia’s vision to bring “inclusive, participatory arts practice to regional communities”.
“Minderoo Foundation believes in the power of community arts to bring people together, nurture potential, and build pride, and in the unique role philanthropy can play to unlock new opportunities, like Practice in Community, that elevate what’s possible.”
Through these multi-year grants, artists will also receive tailored professional development opportunities, including mentorship and dedicated wellbeing support.
A rigorous evaluation process will ensure the program remains community responsive, cross disciplinary, and grounded in local priorities.
Learn more at regionalarts.com.au/pic.
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