About

Regional Arts WA

About

Regional arts have the power to change lives. The regional arts sector makes our regional communities better places to live, contributes to economic growth and gives people a sense of belonging.

Established in 1994, Regional Arts WA is the state’s only service organisation delivering a multi-arts program to strengthen and celebrate this powerful regional arts sector.

We are a regionally governed, not-for-profit organisation that is highly regarded within WA and nationally as an innovative, high value leader in the arts and in regional and community development. We look after the regional arts sector – this means every artist, arts worker, arts and cultural organisation, and organisation or group with regional programs in WA.

Regional Arts WA values each region for its diverse communities, imperatives, cultural requirements and challenges. We honour these distinctive communities by coordinating a series of investment, advisory and developmental offerings which are flexible, innovative and relevant.

Our service delivery is diverse with a suite of programs including funding for arts projects large and small; capacity building support for key regional arts organisations and artists; the coordination of an emerging Regional Arts Network to connect the State; youth, CALD and First Nations’ specific projects; and opportunities to profile and showcase the work of the regional arts sector.

We have deductible gift recipient (DGR) status and you can help make a difference by supporting our work here.

About Us

Purpose, Vision and Values

Our Purpose

To celebrate and strengthen a powerful regional arts sector

Our Vision

Connected and creative regional communities

Our Values

  • Curious: We question everything we do for relevance, actively seeking diversity and innovation. We value unique experiences.
  • Trusted: We are approachable, listen with respect and respond reliably and honestly. We strive for continuous improvement and accountability.
  • Brave: We expect change and are a catalyst for positive adventure. We challenge disadvantage to make courageous, regions-first choices.
  • Involved: Relationships are fundamental. We are open with information, consult where possible, pursue partnerships and collaborate when relevant.

Our 5 Year Strategic Plan (2019-2023)

Through feedback collected from major surveys and key stakeholders, including representatives from the regional arts sector and communities, we have created our new strategic plan for the next 5 years which will build upon the strong foundations of regional WA culture. The four key strategies in the plan will lead the sector through our networks and relationships as we:

  1. Advance understanding and application of the value of regional arts 
  2. Build existing strengths in skills and wellbeing 
  3. Champion diversity and inclusivity
  4. Stimulate activity and investment across a broad range of arts practice, practitioners and participants 

By 2023, we will achieve the following long-term goals (outcomes):

  • Regional communities cherish regional creativity 
    • We support inclusivity in regional communities – where a diversity of voices, artforms and arts practitioners are valued. 
    • We advocate for active local ownership over the development and stimulation of regional arts and cultural policy and programs. 
  • Regional arts are in demand 
    • We support regional arts practitioners in the creation of vibrant, inspiring art. 
    • We advocate for increased exposure and recognition of locally relevant, globally aspirational regional events and activities. 
  • First Nations arts and cultures are embedded in our lives 
    • We support First Nations arts practitioners and communities to celebrate and connect all Western Australians with First Nations arts and culture. 
    • We advocate for the importance of First Nations peoples’ self-determination, cultural authority and leadership and champion the Uluru Statement From the Heart. 
  • A thriving regional arts sector 
    • We support connected, well-governed and sustainable regional arts organisations contributing to a healthy arts ecology. 
    • We advocate for the ongoing journey of young regional arts practitioners/leaders as the future of our sector. 

Inclusion Action Plans

Regional Arts WA is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion across all our services, programs and activities to ensure they are:

  • Inclusive, safe and responsible;
  • Respect the diversity of the regional arts sector and;
  • Provide arts equity of access to community members throughout regional WA.

In 2021, Regional Arts WA’s Board formed a working party to develop the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy which resulted in the development of focused action plans for youth and CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) inclusion. The Regional Arts WA Principles for Writing in Plain English and Accessibility Guide [PDF] was created to support this.

Youth Inclusion Action Plan 2021 – 2023 [PDF]
CaLD Inclusion Action Plan 2021 – 2023 [PDF]

Learn more about Regional Arts WA

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Our History
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