About

To celebrate and strengthen Western Australia’s 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 embrace change and are a catalyst for positive adventure. We challenge disadvantage and make courageous regions-first choices. 
• Involved: Relationships are fundamental. We share information, pursue partnerships, and collaborate.

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 will lead the sector through research and relationships as we:

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

These are our 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 communities’ 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. 

Our vision for Reconciliation is an Australia that will embrace unity between First Nations and other Australians to develop a national culture representing equality and equity.

Regional Arts WA acknowledges the contribution First Nations peoples have made to the arts sector and respect their unbroken connection to land, cultural heritage and belief systems. We value the complex, thriving and evolving systems and understand they will empower and enhance the lives of all Australians. Regional Arts WA will advocate for and support equal opportunities for our First Nations stakeholders and provide an inclusive and diverse workplace that is culturally safe, culturally rich and proud.

Download our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan [PDF]  

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]