Practice In Community
Investing in artists working in regional Australia 

September '25

Regional Arts Australia is launching a transformative 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. 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.” 
- Ros Abercrombie, Executive Director, Regional Arts Australia 

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 provides independent regional artists with time, trust and resources to embed their practice within their communities.

The program values process over product - supporting the deep, relational work that builds trust, belonging and long-term community impact.  

“We’re proud to support Regional Arts Australia’s vision to bring inclusive, participatory arts practice to regional communities, who will shape projects hand-in-hand with artists. 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.”
- Penny Dakin, Executive Director, Communities, Minderoo Foundation 

Key Activity:

Regional Arts Australia will deliver two funding rounds for independent artists working in Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD).

The multi-year grants provide:

• Financial support for artists
• Professional development through mentorship
• Mental health and wellbeing support

This initiative places creativity at the heart of community life, recognising artists as catalysts for connection, cultural expression and lasting community impact. A rigorous evaluation process will ensure the program is responsive, cross-disciplinary, and grounded in local priorities.
 

Who is it for:

We are looking for 11 exceptional community-engaged artists to work for two years within their community, focusing on a specific group.

• Cohort 1: 5 artists starting in 2026
• Cohort 2: 6 artists starting in 2027

We are seeking artists who:

• Have experience working with communities and creating impact through art
• Are open to sharing their creative process with community
• Are responsive, collaborative, and able to listen deeply
• Can co-create artistic outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives
  

How to Apply

Register your interest to be notified when this exciting new program launches in October 2025: