For Communities
Funding > Regional Arts Fund
Arts Agencies
What is the Arts Agencies Category?
The Arts Agencies program is to assist Western Australia's arts and cultural agencies to deliver programs in partnership with regional communities as well as extend networks and strengthen relationships and arts development in the regions.
What can we apply for?
Positions will be funded to a maximum of $50,000 per year, over three years. Three year funding will be offered for positions already funded through the Regional Arts Fund - Arts Agency Category. Seed funding for one year will be provided for new positions (with an in principle agreement for an additional two years) subject to a business case which demonstrates their sustainability to be reviewed at the end of the first year.
At least 50% of the salary and related costs for the position must be met through state government, local government and/or other funding sources. Funding can cover artist's fees, cultural adviser fees, travel, accommodation, materials, venue, equipment hire and insurance.
Are we eligible?
The proposed job specification for the position ensures that the major focus of the position will be facilitating the development of local arts programs and initiatives which substantially progress the objectives of the Regional Arts Fund (see Arts Agencies guidelines for details)
The proposal incorporates a series of goals for achievement and a full evaluation strategy for a time frame up to a maximum of three years. There must be a plan that demonstrates how the position will be funded in the fourth year. Applicants will not be able to apply for RAF Arts Agency funding in the next cycle of RAF
Must meet one or more of the Country Arts WA priority areas (see above)
- Applicants must be an Arts Agency receiving triennial or multi-year funding from the Department of Culture and the Arts.
- The proposal must extend the core function of the Arts Agency to meet the needs of regional artists, arts workers and/or communities, or add to an existing core activity or program.
- The proposal must provide skills development for regional artists or arts workers and/or communities. This can include mentoring.
- The proposal must identify the need for the proposed activity and demonstrate long-term regional impact and sustainability.
- The proposal must demonstrate a number of long and short-term outcomes including artistic engagement, cultural development, increased economic benefits for regional artists and communities and reduced social isolation.
All regional membership based organisations; community groups or networks working in a not-for-profit setting are eligible to apply. Local Government authorities are eligible to apply for funding and may auspice projects on behalf of others. Galleries and Museums can also apply for projects that are not collections based that fall within the program guidelines.
Arts Agencies funded on a triennial basis from Department of Culture and the Arts cannot apply for project funds, however can be involved in a partnership with applicants or may auspice for a regional community. Arts Agencies are eligible to apply to the Arts Agencies category.
Activities should significantly involve regional artists or cultural workers and promote sustainability for regional arts and cultural development. You should promote the development of cultural networks, especially in isolated areas, to facilitate information exchange and co-operative relationships. There should be showcase or professional development opportunities for regional artists both inter or intra state.
Projects that include trips back to country may be eligible for support if they are an integral part of an arts/skills development initiative and result in specific project outcome.
How do we apply?
Expressions of Interest should outline how funding can contribute to an existing or new position in the delivery of the organisation's regional service provision. Funding will not fund the core administration of an arts organisation.
Two positions within a twelve month period are offered each year. You must discuss your application with the Country Arts WA Regional Arts Fund Project Officer before submitting your application. info@countryartswa.asn.au 08 9200 6200 or regional freecall 1800 811 883.
How is our application assessed?
Once your application reaches Country Arts WA it is proofed by the Project Officer and if any further information is required you will be contacted. The RAF Panel, approved by the Federal Minister for the Arts will assess applications. All panel members are active in their own communities in arts and cultural activities and have experience across a range of art forms.
Country Arts WA will use your application to gather statistical information. This information will enable the analysis of trends and be used to advocate and lobby government for increased support for regional arts and cultural development.
The Regional Arts Fund Project Officer will check your application and contact you if any further information is required. The Regional Arts Fund Panel, made up of six members from across regional WA will assess your application against the criteria and make a decision. You will be notified by mail about the outcome.
Successful applicants
Successful applicants are required to sign and return a funding contract as well as supply a tax invoice. Successful applicants are obliged to display the logos of the organisations that provide this funding. The logos can be downloaded from the link at the top of the page.
How do we acquit a successful application?
Country Arts WA, requests information regarding the process, the outcomes of the project, the financial results and any relevant documentation associated with the grant. This form will be forwarded to you along with notification of your payment. Make sure you build in an evaluation plan into the project from the start. Digital photographs of your project at various stages are very useful. Final Acquittals will be required within 13 weeks of the completion of the project. The Arts Agencies acquittal form can be downloaded from the link at the top of this page.You will be required to submit interim reports at six monthly intervals.
Please note that programs which include cultural worker positions approved for funding through the RAF will be subject to annual review by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The review process will be completed at least three months prior to the anniversary of the commencement of the position. The Department will negotiate the reporting requirements in relation to the annual review with each RAO as appropriate.