Regional arts

The department recognises regional arts development as a priority.

We are committed to improving access to arts and culture and acknowledge the importance of finding new ways to support those who are producing world class work in regional, rural and remote locations. 

Eligible regional applicants are encouraged to apply to all funding programs offered by the department however there are a number of programs targeted specifically for regional Western Australia.

Regional Exhibition Touring Boost

Regional audiences are being connected with the State’s art collection through the $8 million Regional Exhibition Touring Boost program. 

The first exhibition in the Freighting Ideas project is How Did I Get Here? and includes some of the country’s most engaging and accomplished photographic and video artists.

The exhibition started in Katanning and will travel to the following places:

The tour is delivered in partnership by ART ON THE MOVE and AGWA.

Over the next six years, the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost will create more opportunities for regional Western Australians to engage with visual arts by increasing the number of touring exhibitions available to regional audiences.

The Regional Exhibition Touring Boost program will also assess and upgrade regional galleries, offer professional development for gallery staff and artists, and improve gallery education resources and digitised learning programs.

In addition, a major Aboriginal exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia that builds on the highly successful and important Desert River Sea is being commissioned and will also tour widely.

Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program

Creating jobs, economic development, tourism and improving social cohesion by supporting the creative and cultural industries in regional Western Australia.

The Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program will deliver almost $20 million over four years to regional WA. Through strategic investments, it will build capacity in the regions and contribute to liveability and vibrancy of regional communities.

This program will deliver on Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity to strengthen economies, create jobs and nurture prosperity in the regions. 

The program is delivered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, with Royalties for Regions funding from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

The Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program will be delivered through three streams:

A State of Creativity

Contributing to an innovative and robust local economy. A State of Creativity will consist of:  

Business Development and Capacity Building  

Supporting the State’s regional performing arts and entertainment centres.

Playing WA  

Supporting performing arts touring into professionally managed venues in WA. 

In the House

Presenting expanded programs of activity in regional performing arts venues.

Made in WA

Commissioning new performing arts work which is relevant to regional audiences and will be premiered in regional venues.

Strengthening Aboriginal Arts

The State Government is committed to supporting sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industries in regional and remote Western Australia. In doing so Strengthening Aboriginal Arts will support:

Aboriginal Arts Commissioning Fund

Providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through the development of new, large scale work.

Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building

Supporting Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations in business development and capacity building.

Empowered and Employed Communities

Delivering upon the State’s policy driver of supporting vibrant, liveable, sustainable communities that are empowered in their decision making and better connected their communities by: 

Leveraged Creative and Cultural Planning  

Incentivising regional local governments to work in partnership with Regional Development Commissions and the department to develop creative and cultural plans and activities.

Regional Arts Empowerment and Employment Grants  

Support for regional artists and organisations.

Community Participation and Inclusion Program  

Improving social inclusion and access to arts and culture in regional WA.

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund  

Supporting regional festivals and contributing to cultural tourism.

Y-Culture Regional Program  

Increasing participation, capacity and leadership in young people.

Page reviewed 01 August 2019
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