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Practice In Community
EOI’s ARE NOW OPEN!
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
| Grant amount: | $160,000 over two years |
| Who it's for: | Individual artists working in regional, rural or remote Australia |
| Number of artists supported: | 11 (across two funding rounds) Cohort 1: 5 artists starting in 2026 Cohort 2: 6 artists starting in 2027 |
| Program focus: | Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) |
| EOI Dates: | Open: Thursday 16th October, 2025 Close: Friday 14th November, 2025 |
| How To Apply: | via SmartyGrants here >> |
READY TO LEARN MORE? START HERE:
To get started, take these four steps to set yourself up for success. Each resource below is designed to guide you through a key stage of the process:
1) Begin by checking your eligibility using our simple Eligibility Checker to make sure you meet the program criteria.
2) Then, take some time to read the Guidelines - they outline what the program supports, what we’re looking for, and how to put your best foot forward.
3) You can also browse the Frequently Asked Questions + Glossary for quick answers and practical tips.
4) Finally, we recommend joining an online information session to hear directly from the Regional Arts Australia team, gain insights into the program’s intent, and ask any questions you may have.
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.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
EOI's close Friday, 14th November, 2025
- Start by submitting a short Expression of Interest through SmartyGrants.
- The EOI focuses on your experience, your relationship with community, and the ideas you wish to explore.
- You don’t need a fully developed project at this stage - we’re looking for the strength of your practice and your community connection.
Stage 2: Full Application (by invitation)
Shortlist notified mid-December, 2025
- If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a Full Application and work more closely with your community partners to refine your proposal.
- Provide more details about your approach, timeline, and potential impact to ensure your project is meaningful and well-planned.
- You'll receive $1,000 to support your development work, giving you time and resources to shape a project that truly benefits the community.
Interviews held March 2026
Shortlisted applicants from the Full Application stage will be invited to an interview with the selection panel. This is an opportunity to share your vision, discuss your process, and ask questions about the program.
Cohort Announced: Project Commence March, 2026
Once the final cohort is selected, successful artists will receive funding, mentoring, professional development, and wellbeing support over two years.
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.
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.