The Regional Arts Fund (RAF) is a significant part of Australia’s cultural landscape, providing crucial support for arts and cultural development in regional and remote communities.
As the nation heads toward the federal election on May 3rd, 2025, the RAF remains a key consideration for Regional Arts NSW. We are responsible for administering the grant to NSW’s regional artists, and, over the years, we have seen its role in fostering regional identity, economic growth, and community well-being first-hand. When federal elections are on the horizon, we consider the RAF and the broader arts sector to be important factors in shaping our voting decisions.
What is the Regional Arts Fund?
The Regional Arts Fund is a federally-funded grant program, established in 1996 to address the unique challenges faced by artists and communities outside metropolitan areas. Initially managed by Regional Arts Australia, the fund has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting changing government priorities and societal needs.
Key milestones:
2001: The fund received $10.1 million over four years, marking its first major allocation.
2004: Funding increased to $16.1 million, signaling growing recognition of its importance.
2008: A reduction to $11.1 million highlighted shifting priorities.
2016: Funding rose again to $13.5 million annually.
2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional $10 million was allocated to support recovery efforts in regional arts.
2021: A one-off $5 million Cultural Tourism Fund was introduced to promote tourism-related arts projects.
2023: Under the Albanese Government’s “Revive” cultural policy, the RAF received an uplift of $8.5 million over four years.
The Revive policy stems from Albanese’s belief that the arts are crucial in bridging divides and moving toward shared purpose and understanding. He said, “It is through our many and varied forms of artistic expression that we build our identity as a nation and a people – and that we project our culture to the world.”
The RAF provides approximately $6 million annually through project grants and quick-response grants aimed at fostering sustainable economic, social, and cultural development in regional communities. It also supports professional development for regional artists and broadens community engagement with the arts.
How to vote in favour of regional arts this election?
The Labor Party
The Labor Government’s National Cultural Policy—Revive, launched in January 2023 and remains central to its approach to the arts. Revive is a five-year plan designed to renew and strengthen Australia’s arts, entertainment, and cultural sector. This plan includes prioritising First Nations stories, reflecting the breadth of Australian stories, supporting artists, providing cultural infrastructure and connecting audiences with the arts.
In the latest Federal Budget (2025-26), however, little was offered in terms of support to the arts, with only a small increase to the Revive policy to support live music and a three year extension applied to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Policy Partnership.
The Liberal/National Coalition
The Coalition’s campaign has not included any detailed arts policies or commitments for this election. Their platform focuses heavily on economic issues, regional development, small business support, and health services. So far, there is no mention of plans to address the arts sector or expand funding for cultural programs.
The Greens
Historically, the Greens have advocated for robust arts funding and support for marginalised groups within the creative sector. On 28 February, they launched their arts policy, promising to see Australian artists and creatives properly supported, funded and valued. This involves paying artists properly, encouraging society to value art and protect artistic freedom and help sustain the arts through $2 billion of funding over the next decade, supporting festivals, live performance, youth arts and arts administration.
When considering where to place your vote, it is important to consider how the candidates for your area stand, as well as the policies of the party they represent. We recommend you take the time to research your candidates to make an informed decision. You can also visit theyvoteforyou.org.au to find out how your MP has voted historically on the issues that matter to you.
Resources
Visit Artshub for news and opinions on the arts in Australia: www.artshub.com.au
Visit theyvoteforyou.org.au to see how your MP votes on key issues.
Sources
regionalarts.com.au/regional-arts-fund/about-regional-arts-fund
www.artshub.com.au/news/news/federal-budget-2025-26-how-does-it-benefit-the-arts-2785235
visualarts.net.au/news-opinion/2025/secure-artists-futures-voteforart-2025
www.arts.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-culturalpolicy-8february2023.pdf
greens.org.au/news/media-release/greens-launch-plan-save-arts-amid-crisis-creatives-australia