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, 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.”

Among the organisations and projects granted funding are: Sprung Dance Theatre (Ballina, NSW) for investment in Deaf-led Arts and Inclusive Practice; re:group performance collective for Mercury Rising, a community project made in Wagga Wagga; The Lava Arts Festival, a three-day multidisciplinary arts festival based in Murwillumbah; the Bundanoon Folk Festival, and the The Milton Folk, Jazz and Blues Festival.

Kim Webeck, Lorraine Granites and Penny McDonald at the NT Writers Festival in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, supported by a 2024 Regional Arts Fund Project Grant. Photo © Oliver Eclipse.

Several projects led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and organisations feature prominently. On Narungga Country, Nharangga Warra – Winda the Owl will bring Elders and community together for a storytelling celebration using fire, lanterns and language.

In Kelso, NSW, Wiradyuri artist Amala Groom will undertake a six-month consultation and development program ahead of a major solo exhibition in Bathurst.

On Yuin Country, the all-female collective Mudjingaal Yangamba will record its debut album Yawa Bulwal (“Truth-Telling”), sung across three languages.

The biggest platform for emerging, independent and experimental artists in the Northern Territory, Darwin Fringe was awarded $30,000; the NT Writers Festival 2026 was granted $27,500; Arafura Music Collective will collect just over $25,000 for an upcoming project Journey to a Mythical Place.

For the complete list of recipients, visit this link.

Regional Arts Australia executive director Ros Abercrombie said the breadth of projects funded underscored the 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,” she said.

The RAF provides around $6 million annually through the Australian Government’s Arts and Cultural Development Program and is managed by Regional Arts Australia in partnership with state and territory organisations.