Regional Arts Australia has announced more than $1.76 million in funding to support 77 new creative projects in the latest round of the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund (RAF), backing artists and organisations across 72 locations nationwide.

This round includes 16 first-time RAF applicants and the 2025 Round 2 Project Grants will support activity across 11 art forms expected to engage more than 14,700 participants, reach combined live and digital audiences of over 1.2 million, and generate 865 jobs for artists and arts workers.

Seventy-three percent of funded projects are located outside regional centres, with 16 percent reaching remote and very remote communities.

Byron Theatre Company’s Displace I Call Home, supported by a 2024 Regional Arts Fund Project Grant. Photo © Kate Holmes

Arts Minister Tony Burke said the funding demonstrated the government’s commitment to ensuring all Australians can participate in the nation’s cultural life.

“Where you live shouldn’t dictate your level of involvement within Australia’s art sector,” Burke said. “This funding will create over 850 jobs for regional artists and arts workers across Australia. From Mullumbimby, to Emerald, Warrnambool and Rapid Creek,...