We are raising $20,000 to support a new Small Halls Commission, creating paid opportunities for regional artists and bringing new work to life in local communities.
What happens when a regional artist and their community come together to create something new? Local stories are shared, community spaces come alive, and new opportunities for creativity and connection take shape.
From Thursday 15 October, you can help make this happen through Regional Arts Victoria’s Make Regional Art Happen campaign, raising $20,000 to fund another Small Halls: Commission.
Donations will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total of $8,000 in matched funding, helping supporters make an even greater contribution to regional arts and creativity.
Art made in a community, for a community
Across regional Victoria, small halls and community venues are more than places to gather. They are spaces where stories are shared, connections are built and local creativity can flourish.
Through the Small Halls Commission, RAV brings community presenters together with locally based artists and creative organisations to develop new performance work inspired by the people, places and stories around them.
Donations to Make Regional Art Happen will help fund a new commission, providing paid opportunities for a regional Victorian artist, supporting the development of new work and helping bring that work to audiences in regional communities.
It’s about more than creating a new artwork. It’s about investing in regional creative talent and making sure communities can participate in and experience the arts close to home.
Building on the success of Soundwaves
Earlier this year, Fish Creek Memorial Hall and creative organisation (it’s no) drama were announced as recipients of the 2026–27 Small Halls Commission for Soundwaves*.
The project will bring people together through shared storytelling and music, celebrating the voices and lived experiences of regional communities. It aims to transform personal stories into a dynamic, multi-layered performance, building creative confidence, connection and a sense of collective identity. Hear Artistic Director, Samara Cunnigham, discuss the impact of this work.
The Small Halls Commission provides a model for regional artists and community venues to collaborate on new Australian work.
We want to make another Small Halls Commission possible, and we need your help to do it!
Help make regional art happen
Our goal is to raise $20,000 to fund another Commission.
Every donation helps create opportunities for regional artists to develop their practice, earn income from their work and share new creative experiences with their communities.
Whether you give a little or a lot, your contribution helps bring this vision to life. Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible.
Donations are open from 15–22 October, culminating on AusArt Day, Thursday 22 October.
*The 2026 Touring Victoria, Small Regional Presenters and Touring Services have been made possible with the support of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria and the Community Support Fund.