Applications are now being accepted for the Regional Arts Fund (RAF), an Australian Government initiative that supports sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities in Australia. The program is managed by Regional Arts Australia and Regional Arts NSW, and is designed to benefit regional and remote arts practitioners, arts workers, audiences and communities
Funding for the 2019 round is available for projects commencing between 1 January and 31 December 2019. Projects must be based or delivered in regional NSW, with grants available in the categories of New Initiatives, Partnerships and biennial category, Small Regional Festivals Support. The arts or cultural focus of the project can include visual arts, circus, dance, film, literature, music, theatre, puppetry, digital media and cross-art-form works. Projects are also eligible for multi-year funding for up to 2 years. In 2018, the RAF Community Grants saw support for 13 new projects sharing in more than $316,550. “The Regional Arts Fund supports a diverse range of arts and cultural activities across regional, rural and remote NSW,“CEO of Regional Arts NSW, Elizabeth Rogers, said. “I look forward to receiving applications for the 2019 round. The calibre of projects continues to rise, and it is always so impressive to see the breadth of work artists and arts workers are delivering. The RAF brings out projects that capture and tap into the spirit and vitality of regional communities.” Applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposed RAF projects with their local Regional Arts Development Organisation (RADO) prior to submission for one-on-one support. Those seeking more than $20,000 in funding must discuss their application with the Grants & Projects Manager at Regional Arts NSW by calling (02) 9270 2501 or emailing funding@regionalartsnsw.com.au. Applications for the Regional Arts Fund (RAF) Community Grants close on Friday 10 August 2018, 5pm AEST. For more information about the program, including guidelines and instructions, visit: http://regionalartsnsw.com.au/grants/raf/
