Regional Arts Australia

Regional Arts Australia (RAA) is the national peak body representing artists, arts organisations and creative communities living and working in regional, remote and rural Australia. Established in 1943, RAA advocates for equitable access to arts and culture, ensuring regional voices are heard at local, state and national levels.

RAA works to strengthen cultural life beyond metropolitan centres by supporting creative practice, building capacity within regional communities, and championing the value of arts and creativity as essential to social, cultural and economic wellbeing.

What Regional Arts Australia Does

Regional Arts Australia delivers leadership, advocacy and practical support to enable vibrant regional arts ecosystems. Its work focuses on:

• National advocacy for regional artists and arts organisations
• Policy development and research addressing regional cultural needs
• Sector leadership and representation across government and industry
• Professional development and capacity building for regional creatives
• Support for sustainable creative careers outside major cities

RAA works closely with its state and territory Regional Arts organisations to ensure local perspectives inform national conversations.

The Regional Arts Fund

A key initiative delivered by Regional Arts Australia is the Regional Arts Fund (RAF) — an Australian Government program supporting arts and cultural projects in regional and remote communities.

The Regional Arts Fund provides grants that enable:

• Creative projects initiated by regional artists and communities
• Skills development and professional growth opportunities
• Community-led cultural activities that reflect local identity
• Access to arts experiences regardless of location

By investing directly in regional creativity, the fund helps build long-term cultural resilience and opportunity across Australia.

A History of Regional Advocacy

With roots dating back over 80 years, Regional Arts Australia has played a central role in shaping regional cultural policy. Its long-standing commitment to advocacy has contributed to increased recognition of the arts as a vital part of regional life — not a luxury, but a necessity.

RAA continues to work collaboratively with governments, arts bodies and communities to address challenges such as access, sustainability, infrastructure and creative workforce development in regional Australia.

Why Regional Arts Australia Matters

• National peak body for regional arts and culture
• Represents artists and communities across regional, rural and remote Australia
• Delivers the Regional Arts Fund on behalf of the Australian Government
• Strong advocacy for equity, access and cultural participation
• Over 80 years of leadership in regional arts development

Connect with Regional Arts Australia

Learn more about Regional Arts Australia, its advocacy work and funding programs via their official website.