NOW OPEN: EOIs for Cohort 2 opened Monday 6th July, 2026

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.

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.

AT A GLANCE

HOW TO APPLY

Applying for Practice in Community is a two-stage process, carefully designed to give artists the time and space to develop ideas in close partnership with their communities.

The first stage invites you to share your initial concept and vision, while the second stage provides the opportunity to refine your proposal with feedback, ensuring it truly reflects the needs, strengths, and aspirations of the community you want to work with. This approach supports thoughtful, meaningful projects that create lasting connections, social impact, and growth for both artists and communities.

EOIs for Cohort 2 open Monday 6th July, 2026

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.

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.

HOW THE FUNDING CAN BE USED

Funding supports both the artist and their community practice:

• 50% Artist Fee: equivalent to a part-time wage over two years
• 50% Project Costs: materials, travel, engagement, documentation or other delivery expenses

Artists may also seek additional funding or partnerships to expand or extend their project — just keep Regional Arts Australia informed to ensure alignment.

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.