Regional Arts Australia (RAA) is rolling out a series of accessibility improvements to the Regional Arts Fund (RAF) application process, aimed at making it easier for regional, rural and remote artists living with disability to apply for grants and funding programs on an equal footing with other applicants.

The changes are focused on the application forms themselves, the primary point of contact between artists and the fund. 

RAA has been working with accessibility expert Morwenna Collett to revise the language used throughout the forms so that instructions and criteria are written in plainer, more accessible terms, reducing jargon and ambiguity that can create unnecessary barriers for applicants. 

Alongside this work, the forms have been restructured for better compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies, to support Deaf and disabled artists to navigate the process independently.

Regional Arts Australia Executive Director Ros Abercrombie celebrates the changes as a reflection of the organisation's commitment to ensuring every regional artist has an opportunity to apply, regardless of disability.

"These changes are about making sure that every regional artist, no matter where they live or what their access needs are, feels comfortable and confident applying for support through Regional Arts Australia,” Abercrombie shares. “Funding opportunities only work if they're genuinely open to everyone, and that's what we are committed to."

RAA is running a dedicated accessible information session for Deaf and/or disabled artists interested in applying to the Regional Arts Fund, run in partnership with Morwenna Collett, and applicants with accessibility requirements can contact their state or territory's Regional Program Administrator to discuss alternative application processes or additional support. 

Regional Arts Australia Grants Manager Thea Jones believes the accessibility revisions are an exciting addition to the fund's application process.

"It has been exciting to see these changes come together, working with Morwenna and her team has meant we have improved our processes,” Jones said. “We want artists to feel encouraged to apply, and just as importantly, we're excited about the creative work they'll go on to make once they've received support through these grants."

The Regional Arts Fund Project Grants are now open for applications across the country - offering support for artists, organisations, and communities in regional, rural, and remote Australia to bring bold ideas to life.

Project Grants of up to $30,000 available per applicant are now available across the nation, designed to support high-quality arts projects that benefit regional communities.

Whether you’re developing new work, collaborating across regions, or bringing creative experiences to your local community - now is the time to apply.

Closing in mid - late August, for state-specific deadlines and eligibility, visit:

https://regionalarts.com.au/regional-arts-fund/apply-to-the-raf

The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government program, managed nationally by Regional Arts Australia and delivered through Regional Program Administrators in each state and territory, providing Project Grants and Quick Response Grants to support artists, arts workers and communities across regional and remote Australia.

Are you a Deaf and/or disabled artist living in regional, rural or remote Australia and interested in applying to the Regional Arts Fund?

Join us for a dedicated online information session hosted by Morwenna Collett.

This session is designed to support Deaf and disabled artists to learn more about the Regional Arts Fund, ask questions and explore the application process in an accessible and inclusive environment.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Wednesday 22 July

Time: 6:00pm AEST

Host: Morwenna Collett

Who can attend?

This session is open to Deaf and/or disabled artists who live in eligible regional, rural or remote locations and are interested in applying to the Regional Arts Fund.

You can check whether your location is eligible using the Regional Arts Fund Eligibility Map.

Registration link: https://regionalarts-au.zoom.us/meeting/register/xR4K3MW1SiKcFGwQ5KpkIw

Places are free, but registration is essential.