2026 EOIs NOW OPEN

Expressions of Interest to the 2026 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program are now open

The National Regional Arts Fellowship Program is a strategic project supported by the Regional Arts Fund and delivered by Regional Arts Australia. Fellowships provide guaranteed income for regional artists and arts workers to develop work, skills, networks, or research. In 2026, we are seeking Fellowship proposals with a focus on economic, cultural and/or environmental sustainability. 

KEY DATES
Expressions of Interest open: 9:00am AEDT, Tuesday 17 March 2026
Watch the 2026 National Regional Arts Fellowship Program Information Session Recording
Expressions of Interest close: 5:00pm AEST, Monday 13 April 2026
Fellowship delivery period: 1 September 2026 – 31 August 2027

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Eight fellowships will be awarded in 2026 with a total funding pool of $140,000. At least fifty percent of the fellowships provided will be targeted to cohorts that Regional Arts Australia has identified as being under-funded or under-represented through the Regional Arts Fund competitive grants program.  

Creative & Professional Development: $20,000

The Creative & Professional Development Fellowship provides $20,000 to regional artists and arts workers to support creative practice or professional development, with a focus on sustainability. In 2026, a total of six Creative & Professional Development Fellowships will be awarded. At least one will be designated for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander applicants, and at least one will be designated for applicants with lived experience of d/Deafness and/or disability. 

Early Career Development: $10,000

The Early Career Development Fellowship provides $10,000 to regional artists and arts workers who are in the early stages of their practice or career and have had less access to funding opportunities. It supports the development of creative practice or professional development opportunities, with a focus on sustainability. In 2026, two Early Career Development Fellowships will be provided. At least one will be designated for applicants who are under 25 years of age. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be accepted via an online application form. If you cannot access the online application form, we will accept applications in other formats including Auslan, audio, video, printed, dictated, electronic and handwritten formats. Please contact access@regionalarts.com.au to discuss alternative submission formats.  

The application process is split into two stages: an expression of interest, followed by an expanded proposal for shortlisted applicants. 

Stage One: Expressions of Interest

The expression of interest is designed for applicants to pitch a general idea to the assessment panel. Expressions of interest do not need to provide any confirmed partners, activities, or timelines. There is no budget submission. Expressions of interest will be assessed on the impact that the proposed activity will have on the applicants practice or career. 

Applicants will be asked to provide the following: 

• Response: What do you propose to do? (300 words max)
• Response: What impact will this fellowship have on your practice or career? Consider assessment criteria 1, 2 and 3 in your response. (300 words max)
• Response: What are your key career or practice achievements to date? (200 words max)
• Response: How will you spend the funds? (200 words max)
• Alternatively, applicants may choose to provide the above responses as a five-minute audio or video recording.
• One referee that has agreed to provide a testimonial upon request.
• Supporting material: CV and portfolio of past works (maximum 10 pages combined). 

Stage Two: Expanded Proposal

Approximately 25 applicants will be shortlisted and invited to submit a more detailed proposal. Expanded proposals will be assessed on the viability of the proposed project, and will require confirmed partners, a project timeline, and a budget. 

Applicants will be asked to provide the following: 

• Project Summary (250 words)
• Key Outcomes (250 words)
• Response to the four Assessment Criteria (250 words each)
• Project Timeline
• Project Partners (with letters of confirmation)
• Budget 

APPLY NOW

Before beginning an application, please read the National Regional Arts Fellowship Guidelines: Word | PDF 

Apply via the online form. 

If you cannot access the online application form, we will accept applications in other formats. Please contact the Regional Arts Australia Grant Manager to discuss alternative submission formats.  

Download a copy of the application form: Word | PDF