Practice in Community is a new initiative designed and delivered by Regional Arts Australia, supported by Minderoo Foundation. By investing in artists themselves - not just their outcomes - Practice in Community is grounded in the belief that artists are essential to social change and to the thriving of regional communities. It supports the deep, relational work that builds trust, belonging and long-term community impact.

MEET THE ARTISTS + TEAM

Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation are delighted to announce the first cohort of Practice in Community artists. Together, they represent a remarkable range of experience, approaches and creative leadership in community arts practice, including First Nations-led work grounded in cultural knowledge, Lore and kinship. These are artists grounded in care and a deep commitment to working in genuine partnership with community.  

WHAT THE PROGRAM OFFERS

Practice in Community is designed to strengthen the role of creativity in regional life. The program recognises that artists are catalysts for connection, cultural expression and community resilience. By investing in artists embedded in their local communities, the initiative supports deep, relational work that builds trust, belonging and long-term social impact.

This national program puts creativity at the heart of community life by investing in independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD). It gives regional artists the time, trust, and support to grow their practice, lead meaningful projects, build connections, share knowledge and strengthen a national network of artists driving social impact.

Financial Support: Each grant provides $160,000 over two years. Two rounds of funding will support a total of eleven artists.

Professional Development:  Each artist will receive multi-year support designed to strengthen both their practice and their community relationships. A rigorous evaluation framework ensures the program stays responsive and grounded in local priorities.

Wellbeing Support: Mental health and resilience resources for artists.
This support recognises that creative practice flourishes when artists are well resourced and connected.

AIMS + OBJECTIVES

The intention of Practice In Community is to:

• Support independent regional artists to sustain and deepen their creative practice
• Strengthen relationships between artists and the communities they live and work in
• Prioritise creative process over product, valuing experimentation, reflection and care
• Encourage collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches that respond to local priorities
• Contribute to community wellbeing through creativity, storytelling and shared experience
• Build a connected national network of artists working for social and cultural change

Ultimately, Practice in Community places creativity at the heart of everyday life - empowering artists to lead meaningful, long-term change within regional Australia.

Practice In Community is designed and delivered by Regional Arts Australia, supported by Minderoo Foundation.