THE REGIONAL ARTS FUND
The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is the Australian Government program that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia. The Regional Arts Fund is managed in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.
The Government recognises that participation in, and access to, cultural activities stimulates creative, innovative and cohesive communities, and promotes the social wellbeing and economic capacity of individuals and communities.
It is essential for all applicants to contact Regional Arts Victoria prior to applying to ensure that their project is eligible and to learn about making the most of their applications. It is also imperative that applicants read the Guidelines carefully, even if they have applied in the past, as some changes have been implemented that may impact on project planning and development.
GRANTS AVAILABLE
Project Grants are intended to assist cultural development projects that meet the objectives and eligibility criteria of the RAF. Applicants are limited to one application per round and one successful application in a 12 month period.
Applicants for Project Grants must be, or must apply through, an incorporated company or organisation.
Project Grants are open to applicants from regional and remote Victoria. Priority is given to applications from Indigenous, small, remote or isolated communities. First time applicants and applicants who have been previously unsuccessful to the RAF are encouraged to apply. Applicants who have had previous success with RAF funding will need to demonstrate that they are pushing boundaries with arts outcomes, community engagement and sustainable cultural activity.
There are two categories of Project Grants. The same eligibility will apply across both categories, but Category B will ensure that smaller projects by first time applicants can be fairly represented among grant recipients. All applicants are strongly advised to thoroughly discuss their application with a RADO or Cultural Partnerships Coordinator.
Key Dates for 2013 Project Grants:
Round 2, 2013 closing date is 19 August, 2013 for projects commencing 1 January, 2014
Applications will open for this round on the 1 July, 2013. There will be a new application process via a system called Smartygrants. All organisations and individuals applying for the Regional Arts Fund from the 1 July will be required to submit their application via an online form. No hard copy applications will be accepted.
To download guidelines, links to the relevant documents are found in the menu on the right hand side of this page.
- Cultural Project and Skills Development Grants – up to $15,000
Cultural Projects
Amounts of up to $15,000 are available for projects involving regional artists in a project that has a public outcome, and significantly engages the community in which it is based.
Skills Development
Amounts of up to $15,000 are available for skills development opportunities involving regional artists, arts groups or community organisations which will enhance and develop arts practice for the benefit of the community in which the project is based.
- Toe in The Water Grants – up to $6,000
This category is available to applicants who have not previously applied to, or have been unsuccessful with, the RAF including with Quick Response Grants. Amounts of up to $6,000 are available for small cultural projects involving professional and regional artists in a project that significantly engages the community in which it is based.
Quick Response Grants
The Quick Response Grant (QRG) program aims to increase access for artists and arts workers in remote or small communities, to professional arts development and training opportunities. Applications are accepted throughout the year and range from up to $1500 for individuals to a maximum of $3000 for organisations.
QRG applications can be submitted any time between 3 to 12 weeks prior to your activity commencing.
Some past examples of successful QRG applications include participation in artistic skills and professional training workshops, exhibition development and delivery, and the creation and delivery of workshops and festivals.
All applicants are strongly advised to discuss their application with a RADO or the Funding Programs Officer before submitting.
PLEASE NOTE: From the 1 July, there will be a new application process via a system called Smartygrants. All organisations and individuals applying for the Regional Arts Fund will be required to submit their application via an online form. No hard copy applications will be accepted.
The Regional Arts Fund is an Australian Government initiative that supports sustainable cultural development in regional, remote, and very remote Australia.
