CFAs: Arts Activities in Regional Communities Program (Australia)

Deadline: 01-Oct-2026

The Arts Activities in Regional Communities program is inviting applications for grants supporting arts and cultural projects that increase participation, access, and creative development across regional Western Australia. Applicants can request up to $60,000 for Creative Projects or up to $50,000 for Creative and Cultural Planning, with funding covering up to 80% of eligible project costs.

About the Arts Activities in Regional Communities Program

The Arts Activities in Regional Communities program is part of the Regional Creative Industries Fund and aims to strengthen the vibrancy and sustainability of arts and culture across regional Western Australia. The program supports projects that increase access to arts and cultural activities, create opportunities for regional artists and arts workers, and contribute to the development of creative and cultural industries. It also recognises the potential of arts and culture to contribute to cultural tourism and broader regional economic and community development. Program Objectives

The program aims to:

- Increase participation in arts and cultural activities. - Improve access to arts and culture in regional communities. - Support creative development. - Provide employment opportunities for regional artists and arts workers. - Support professional development for arts and cultural practitioners. - Encourage the growth of creative and cultural industries. - Contribute to cultural tourism. - Strengthen the sustainability of regional arts and cultural activity. Funding Categories The program provides funding through two categories. Creative Projects Creative Projects supports arts and cultural activities and creative development initiatives taking place in regional Western Australia. Applicants can request up to $60,000 under this category.

Eligible activities may include:

- Workshops. - Festivals. - Development of new creative works. - Arts and cultural presentations. - Community arts activities. - Creative development projects. - Other eligible arts and cultural activities. Creative and Cultural Planning Creative and Cultural Planning supports regional local governments to develop or revise creative and cultural plans. Applicants can request up to $50,000 under this category. Eligible activities may include community engagement and consultation processes connected to the development or revision of creative and cultural plans. Funding Contribution Funding can cover up to 80% of total project costs. Applicants must provide at least 20% of the project budget from other sources.

The required contribution may include:

- Cash contributions. - In-kind contributions. - Other eligible sources of project support. Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget clearly demonstrates how the remaining 20% of project costs will be covered. Eligible Activities The program supports a broad range of arts, cultural, creative development, and planning activities.

Examples include:

- Arts workshops. - Regional festivals. - New creative works. - Public presentations. - Creative development activities. - Community engagement. - Cultural planning processes. - Activities that increase participation in arts and culture. - Projects that create professional development opportunities for arts workers. All proposed activities should contribute to the program’s objectives and benefit regional or remote communities in Western Australia. Project Location and Duration All funded activities must take place in regional or remote Western Australia. Projects must be completed within 18 months of the eligible start date. Applicants should ensure that their project timeline allows sufficient time for planning, delivery, community engagement, and completion within the required period. Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

- Regional local governments. - Organisations based in Western Australia. - Groups based in Western Australia. - Individuals based in Western Australia. Metropolitan applicants may also be eligible where they can demonstrate strong support from, and clear benefits to, the relevant regional communities. Inclusion and Community Participation Projects are expected to encourage inclusion and participation from diverse communities. The program recognises the importance of ensuring that arts and cultural opportunities are accessible to people from different backgrounds and circumstances. Projects should consider participation from: - First Nations people. - People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. - People with disability. - Different age groups. - People from different socio-economic backgrounds. Applicants should demonstrate how their projects will create meaningful opportunities for participation and engagement. Arts and Cultural Practitioners Projects must involve highly skilled arts and cultural practitioners. Their involvement can contribute to the quality of creative activities while also providing professional opportunities for regional artists and arts workers. Projects should demonstrate how practitioners will contribute to the development, delivery, or creative outcomes of the proposed activities. What Makes a Strong Application? A strong application should clearly explain how the proposed project will contribute to arts and cultural development in regional Western Australia.

Applicants should consider demonstrating:

- Clear artistic or cultural objectives. - Strong benefits for regional communities. - Increased participation and access. - Meaningful community engagement. - Involvement of skilled arts and cultural practitioners. - Opportunities for regional artists and arts workers. - Inclusive participation. - A realistic project timeline. - A clear and justified budget. - At least 20% contribution from other sources. - Potential to strengthen the regional creative and cultural sector. Benefits of the Program The Arts Activities in Regional Communities program can help regional communities develop stronger an