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Media Centre Practice In Community: Artist Announcement
8 April 2026
MEDIA RELEASE #
Practice in Community – Artist Announcement #
Five artists from across the country will each receive $160,000 through a transformative new multi-year funding initiative designed to invest in artists working in regional and remote Australia.
Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation are delighted to announce the first cohort of artists to be supported through the Practice in Community initiative. From South Gippsland and the Shipwreck Coast to Darwin, Cape York and Central Australia, their work is grounded in deep local knowledge and long-standing relationships. 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.
"These five projects show what creativity can do when it’s centred in community. It sparks connection for people experiencing isolation, turns environmental action into collective expression, and ensures that important histories and cultural knowledge aren't lost - they're shared, celebrated, and carried forward."
- Ros Abercrombie, Executive Director, Regional Arts Australia
What connects them is a commitment to listening, trust and collaboration, allowing ideas to develop over time and through shared process. In doing so, Practice in Community highlights the vital role artists play in shaping stronger, more connected communities and the value of investing in this work for the long term.
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. In addition to their $160,000 grants, the cohort will be supported over the two-year program by a mentoring team from The Cad Factory, wellbeing support from Hey Mate, and evaluation guidance from specialist Kim Houghton (Economic Solutions).
“We are excited to see this exceptional cohort of artists get started on their projects in communities across regional Australia. Practice in Community is a bold initiative that we are proud to back, shining a light on regional creativity and the role artists play in building stronger, more connected communities.”
- John Hartman, CEO Minderoo Foundation
About The Artists & Their Projects #
| Artist + Location | Project | Summary |
Caddie Brain | Unlocking Kahlin | Community-led storytelling initiative preserving Kahlin Compound histories and empowering descendants through culturally controlled archival practice. |
Colleen Hughson | Stories from the Sea: Art, Place, Community | Community-led creative reuse and storytelling project addressing marine debris and volunteer fatigue along Shipwreck Coast. |
| Rona Glynn-McDonald Ali Curung, Northern Territory | Creation through song: Women’s Awelye of Akwerlpe | Kaytetye women-led project revitalising Awelye (women’s ceremonial song, dance and body-painting traditions) through intergenerational practice. |
| Samara Cunningham Fish Creek, Victoria | Happenstance | Community-designed performances in everyday spaces addressing social isolation through creative encounters, storytelling and shared participation. |
| Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung Weipa, Queensland | Arnya Songline Methodology: Weaving Kinship Legacies | Kinship-led cultural project strengthening Wik and Wikway knowledge, healing and intergenerational connection across Cape York communities. |
Meet the Artists and the full program team: https://regionalarts.com.au/pic
About the Initiative
Practice in Community is a multi-year initiative co-presented by Regional Arts Australia and Minderoo Foundation. It provides independent artists in regional Australia with the time, trust and resources to deeply embed their creative practice within their communities.
Media Enquiries
Ros Abercrombie | Executive Director | 0422 298 807 | ros@regionalarts.com.au
Amy Firth | Strategic Comms Lead | 0493 053 143 | comms@regionalarts.com.au
