19 November 2025

Regional Arts Australia is proud to announce more than $1.76 million in funding to support 77 new creative projects through the latest round of the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Project Grants.

This round of the Regional Arts Fund demonstrates how creative investment drives both cultural and economic vitality - supporting employment, skills development and cultural exchange while strengthening the identity and resilience of regional, rural and remote communities. Funding has been distributed to projects across 72 unique locations, with 73% awarded outside regional centres and 16% reaching remote and very remote communities. These projects are expected to engage more than 14,700 participants and reach a combined live and digital audience of over 1.2 million people, while generating 865 employment opportunities.

Recognising Regional Excellence #

Australian Government Minister for the Arts, the Hon Tony Burke MP said, “Where you live shouldn’t dictate your level of involvement within Australia’s art sector. This funding will create over 850 jobs for regional artists and arts workers across Australia. From Mullumbimby, to Emerald, Warrnambool and Rapid Creek, audiences will get to experience some incredible projects across a range of different mediums. We know there’s a story for every place and a place for every story and this funding only further supports that.”

Echoing this sentiment, Ros Abercrombie, Executive Director of Regional Arts Australia, praised the strength and diversity of the projects supported. “These results underscore the strength, ambition and resilience of regional creatives. Investment through the Regional Arts Fund doesn’t just enable great art - it supports local economies, builds community wellbeing and fosters a sense of belonging and pride across regional, rural and remote Australia.”

Creativity Across Every Artform and Stage of Practice #

From circus to cinema, literature to live music, this round of Regional Arts Fund Project Grants showcases the extraordinary diversity of creative practice flourishing across regional Australia. Spanning more than 11 artforms, these projects reflect the innovation, collaboration and cultural richness that define communities both large and small.

This round also celebrates 16 successful first time applicants to the Regional Arts Fund, demonstrating the Fund’s vital role in nurturing regional creatives and supporting artistic growth at every stage of practice.

First Nations Cultural Leadership #

Importantly, a number of the funded projects are led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals or organisations.  Projects include:

• Nharangga Warra – Winda the Owl: Stories in Fire and Lanterns 
  A community celebration on Narungga Country will bring to life the story of Winda the Owl through fire, lanterns and storytelling. Guided by Narungga Elders, this immersive event invites participants to gather in light and language - celebrating cultural continuity, connection and the shared power of coming together through story.
  
• Amala Groom – One Hundred Years Since the Beginning of Time Wiradyuri conceptual artist Amala Groom leads a six-month community consultation and creative development program on Wiradyuri Country in Kelso, NSW. Preparing for her upcoming solo exhibition at Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, the project weaves together Elders’ guidance, cultural protocols and surrealist influences to subvert colonial narratives and re-centre First Nations voices in contemporary art.
  
• Mudjingaal Yangamba – Yawa Bulwal (Truth-Telling) Debut Album
  This all-female collective of Aboriginal women from Yuin Country brings together five Elders and five younger members to record Yawa Bulwal (“Truth-Telling”) - a debut album sung in Dhurga, Gumea Dharawal, and Gathang. Blending cultural authority with creative collaboration, the project preserves language, celebrates resilience, and exemplifies First Nations self-determination in the arts.

Diverse Projects Drive Cultural Impact #

This round of the Regional Arts Fund showcases the extraordinary breadth of regional creative practice and its far-reaching impact. From grassroots organisations to solo practitioners, the diversity of funded projects reflects the many ways artists are shaping culture, connection, and innovation across regional Australia.

The majority of projects were awarded to rural, remote, and very remote communities, highlighting the Fund’s crucial role in ensuring equitable access to creative opportunities across Australia’s vast geography.

Together, these projects build creative capability, spark cross-regional collaboration, and amplify regional voices within the national cultural conversation - demonstrating how the Regional Arts Fund continues to nurture creativity at every scale, supporting local expression while strengthening Australia’s broader cultural identity.

Learn more about the full list of Regional Arts Fund Project Grant recipients here >> 

The next round of the Regional Arts Fund Project Grants opens in selected States/Territories in February, 2026 

About Regional Arts Australia
Regional Arts Australia (RAA) is a not-for-profit arts organisation, dedicated to unlocking cultural and creative ambition across the vast landscapes and communities of regional, rural, and remote Australia. For 80+ years, we've been a trusted national voice for the arts in regional Australia, advocating for and delivering Government funding to celebrate and elevate diverse stories and creative initiatives from right across the country.

About the Regional Arts Fund
A central pillar of Regional Arts Australia’s operations is managing the Regional Arts Fund on behalf of the Australian Government. The Regional Arts Fund is an ongoing program that provides approximately $6 million per year to support artists and communities in regional and remote areas. It is part of the Australian Government’s Arts and Cultural Development Program that supports participation in, and access to Australia’s arts and culture across regional, rural, and remote Australia.

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and organisations in each state and territory.

For more information on the latest recipients and their projects, visit: https://regionalarts.com.au/regional-arts-fund/awarded-grants

Media Inquiries
Ros Abercrombie. Executive Director, Regional Arts Australia
Email: ros@regionalarts.com.au