Regional Arts Fund
The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is an Australian Government initiative providing approximately $6 million annually to support artists and communities in regional and remote areas. It is managed by Regional Arts Australia on behalf of the Australian Government, and administered by Flying Arts in Queensland.
Banner Image: From Wide Horizons, a short film by Pippa Samaya. Pippa received funding through the Project Grants in 2025.
Two Ways to Apply
Quick Response Grants
For small arts or cultural projects that can’t access other funding due to timing, or for individual professional development.
- Individuals: up to $3,000
- Organisations: up to $5,000
- No minimum amount
- Rounds open monthly (no rounds in December or January)
Project Grants
Major funding for high-quality arts projects benefiting regional or remote artists, arts workers, audiences and communities. Any creative practice, art form or cross-disciplinary approach is welcome.
- Up to $30,000, no minimum
- Multi-year agreements possible, subject to available funds
- Talk to RAF staff before applying for more than $20,000
- Two rounds per year (February and July)
Quick Response Grants — 2026 Round Schedule
| Round | Opens | Closes | Outcome | Project Start Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | Feb 1, 9:00am | Feb 28, 11:59pm | Mar 6, 5:00pm | Mar 14 – May 23 |
| March | Mar 1, 9:00am | Mar 31, 11:59pm | Apr 9, 5:00pm | Apr 14 – Jun 23 |
| April | Apr 1, 9:00am | Apr 30, 11:59pm | May 8, 5:00pm | May 14 – Jul 23 |
| May | May 1, 9:00am | May 31, 11:59pm | Jun 5, 5:00pm | Jun 14 – Aug 23 |
| June | Jun 1, 9:00am | Jun 30, 11:59pm | Jul 7, 5:00pm | Jul 14 – Sep 22 |
| July | Jul 1, 9:00am | Jul 31, 11:59pm | Aug 7, 5:00pm | Aug 14 – Oct 23 |
| August | Aug 1, 9:00am | Aug 31, 11:59pm | Sep 7, 5:00pm | Sep 14 – Nov 23 |
| September | Sep 1, 9:00am | Sep 30, 11:59pm | Oct 8, 5:00pm | Oct 14 – Dec 23 |
| October | Oct 1, 9:00am | Oct 31, 11:59pm | Nov 6, 5:00pm | Nov 14 – Jan 23 |
| November | Nov 1, 9:00am | Nov 30, 11:59pm | Dec 7, 5:00pm | Dec 14 – Feb 22 |
No rounds run in December or January.
Project Grants — 2026 Round Schedule
| Round | Opens | Closes | Notification | Project Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | 2 February 2026, 9:00am | 13 March 2026, 11:59pm | ~3 months after | 1 July 2026 |
| Round 2 | 3 July 2026, 12:00am | 14 August 2026, 11:59pm | ~3 months after | 1 January 2027 |
Eligibility
Applicants must be regional artists, arts organisations or communities based in eligible Queensland locations (MM2–7 classifications). Funding cannot principally benefit applicants from MM1 locations. Check your eligibility using the Health Workforce Locator. Full criteria are set out in the Grant Guidelines.
Eligible expenses include artist fees, travel, materials, venue and equipment hire, insurance, administrative costs and disability access expenses. Asset purchases up to $5,000 may be considered if hiring proves costlier.
Image: Inge Gajczak, Milky Way and Boulia Hut. Inge was a successful Quick Response Grant applicant, delivering a workshop on astrophotography techniques with a focus on capturing the Milky Way.
How to Apply
Applications for both streams are submitted through the SmartyGrants portal. Make sure your ABN details and proposed project start date are accurate.
Resources & Guides
Everything you need to prepare a strong application, in one place.
Questions?
Contact the Regional Arts Fund team at [email protected] with any questions. You can also preview an application form or explore the guides and resources below before you apply.