Liam McNally
An $8.5 million boost to the Regional Arts fund is creating more opportunity for regional artists to get government funding for their projects, and grant applications are now open for Melton and Moorabool residents.
The launch of the National Cultural Policy – Revive on Monday, January 30 announced an ongoing uplift to the Regional Arts Fund of $8.5 million over 4 years.
This increased investment supports and promotes participation in, and access to, Australia’s arts and culture in regional, rural and remote Australia.
Regional Arts Australia has managed the Regional Arts Fund for over 20 years, currently valued at $13m over 4 years, on behalf of the Australian Government.
The fund is an extensive national regional arts grants program, delivered in partnership with state and territory program administrators.
Regional Arts Australia said that for many years, it has been, and continues to be, “one of the most successful avenues for delivering targeted programs, devised by, and meeting the needs of regional Australian communities”.
Local artists in Melton and Moorabool can currently access Project Grants through the Regional Arts Fund, as managed by Regional Arts Victoria. These grants provide up to $30,000 for individuals and organisations.
Regional Arts Australia chair Dr Simon Spain said Regional Arts Australia and its state and territory members and partners have “significant experience” in the management of arts-based programs in their regions.
“With this additional investment, we will prioritise a program that will respond to the immediate needs of regional artists, organisations and communities across the country. In addition, these funds provide an
opportunity to explore new ways to build a robust and sustainable regional arts sector for the future,” he said.
