Grants of up to $150,000 to support initiatives that promote large-scale artistic works and support long-term business and organisational capacity in the Aboriginal arts sector.
On this page you will find
What is the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development?
The Regional Aboriginal Arts Development Program (RAAD), delivered by the WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)—renamed from 1 July 2025 as the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport—provides targeted support for Aboriginal artists and cultural organisations in regional and remote Western Australia. The program funds initiatives that promote large-scale artistic works and support long-term business and organisational capacity in the Aboriginal arts sector.
There are two distinct funding categories under this program:
- Creative Development – supports the creation and production of new, large-scale Aboriginal artworks.
- Business Development and Capacity Building – supports organisational growth, sustainability, and workforce development.
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development level of support
- Minimum amount of funding: There is no specified minimum.
- Maximum amount of funding:
- Creative Development: Up to $150,000
- Business Development and Capacity Building: Up to $50,000
Co-contribution required: Yes. Applicants must demonstrate at least 20% of the total project cost as income from other sources. This may include in-kind contributions. Applications requesting more than 80% of project costs will be deemed ineligible.
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development important dates
Two application rounds are held annually. For 2025:
- Closing date: 4:00pm, 22 May 2025
- Earliest project start date: 1 September 2025
- Applicants will be notified of outcomes approximately 12 weeks after the closing date.
Register your interest with GrantHelper.
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development objectives
Projects must align with one or more of the following goals:
- Develop significant, large-scale works by Aboriginal artists in regional WA.
- Showcase unique Aboriginal stories and engage new and diverse audiences.
- Strengthen business planning, governance, and succession strategies in Aboriginal organisations.
- Support long-term skills development for Aboriginal arts workers and communities.
- Enable economic diversification and regional employment opportunities
Projects and expenditure eligible for Regional Aboriginal Arts Development support
Creative Development:
- New works in dance, music, theatre, craft, visual arts, or writing.
- Research, development, presentation or production of creative works.
- Collaborations involving Aboriginal artists and cultural authorities, particularly those involving youth, statutory authorities, or interstate/international partnerships.
Business Development and Capacity Building:
- Skills training and professional development.
- Consultant fees.
- Strategic, marketing, and promotional plan development.
- Organisational collaborations, research, and networking.
Ineligible Expenditure Includes:
- Projects with no benefit to regional Aboriginal artists or communities.
- Capital purchases above $3,000, unless critical to the activity.
- Construction or purchase of studios or gallery spaces.
- Activities already funded by DLGSC culture and the arts programs.
- Broadcasting, film, television, game development, or school curriculum-based activities.
- Fundraising, competitions, memberships, and prizes.
- Salaries for ongoing staff roles.
- Projects by metro-based cultural statutory authorities
Other Regional Aboriginal Arts Development important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for Regional Aboriginal Arts Development support
Creative Development Category:
- WA-based Aboriginal artists, performers, producers, writers, and arts organisations.
- Non-Aboriginal organisations working in partnership with Aboriginal-led teams, with demonstrated Aboriginal control and involvement.
Business Development Category:
- WA-based Aboriginal arts and cultural organisations.
- Other organisations that show clear benefit to, or partnership with, regional Aboriginal organisations.
The lead applicant must be the party responsible for coordination and financial acquittal of the project. Projects must demonstrate Aboriginal self-determination and cultural authority through partnerships, such as MOUs.
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development assessment criteria
All applications are competitively assessed by a peer panel against four key criteria:
1. Quality (30%)
- Artistic or cultural significance
- Experience of the people involved
- Sector support and relevance
2. Reach (25%)
- Audience engagement and growth
- Marketing strategies
- Opportunities for networking and partnerships
3. Good Planning (25%)
- Feasibility and preparation
- Confirmed personnel and timeline
- Evaluation processes and risk management
4. Financial Responsibility (20%)
- Realistic and justified budget
- Efficient use of funds
- Inclusion of other funding sources
How do I get the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development application
Applicants must prepare the following:
- Core application answers (6 key questions on project scope, team, outcomes, planning, etc.).
- Budget with quotes and in-kind contributions clearly detailed.
- Project outputs (expected measurable results).
- Support materials, including:
-
- Biographies/profiles of key creatives.
- Artistic samples or materials (mandatory for Creative Development).
- Letters/emails of support from communities and partners.
- Completed Regional Spend Report (mandatory Excel attachment).
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development
Apply via the Online Grants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
Regional Aboriginal Arts Development resources
Is Your Business Eligible for This Government Grant?
GrantHelper can assist with your organisation’s grant application, no matter what stage of the funding journey you’re at.
Whenever You’re Ready, Here Are 7 Ways We Can Help You
- Grant Application Readiness
Assess your current position, identify gaps, and prepare your organisation to meet the stringent requirements of competitive grant programs. - Grant Application Strategy
Pinpoint the right grants, align your projects with funding priorities, and establish a roadmap that significantly boosts your chances of success. - Grant Application Search
Let us do the heavy lifting to uncover the most relevant and high-value grant opportunities tailored to your business objectives. - Grant Application Writing
Our expert writers craft persuasive applications that showcase your strengths and align seamlessly with the funder’s goals and criteria. - Grant Application Review
Receive detailed, strategic feedback to sharpen your application, address potential weaknesses, and ensure maximum alignment with assessment benchmarks. - Grant Application Management
End-to-end oversight of your grant journey — from planning and writing to submission and reporting — so you can stay focused on running your business. - Grant Application Courses
Access self-paced online training to build your internal capability and develop the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the grant landscape.
Ready to get started?
Not Ready to Enquire Yet?
We understand that winning grants takes time—something many business owners and directors don’t have. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Our Insights showcase some of the grant-winning methods we employ at GrantHelper, and they will help you create a stronger grant application.
Explore our Insights page, or our Podcasts page, where you’ll find expert advice, actionable tips, and time-saving strategies to help you get grant-ready.
Alternatively, check out some of the Clients we’ve helped and what they had to say about us.
