Festivals Australia provides approximately $1.4 million in funding each year through two rounds to support arts-driven projects that engage people in regional and remote Australia. The program aims to strengthen community connections, foster local talent, and ensure access to meaningful cultural experiences for audiences outside major urban centres.
The initiative recognises the vital role regional and remote festivals play in telling Australian stories, aligning with the priorities of Revive, Australia’s National Cultural Policy. Eligible activities include performances, workshops, installations, parades, or exhibitions held as part of a festival or a significant one-off community event in regional or remote locations.
Previous recipients of the funding illustrate the diversity and impact of supported projects. In Queensland, Moonda Nurra presented a rainbow serpent and spiritual dreamtime story of the Yirendali people at the Festival of Outback Skies, in collaboration with traditional owners, community members, and professional artists. In Victoria, the Castlemaine Fringe 2025 Opening Night Spectacular featured live music, dance, roving street theatre, live art installations, community choirs, and marching bands across the 16-day festival. In Tasmania, BEACON staged an immersive dance performance with 80 local performers in Launceston during the Ten Days on the Island festival, using art to explore the future, unite the community, and build connections.
Round 21 of the Festivals Australia program is currently open for applications until 7 October 2025, offering new opportunities for communities and artists to participate in culturally rich, locally driven arts experiences.
