Yes, it’s December already. I know. We’re as surprised as you are. Time, it seems, has done that peculiar thing it does every year – moving glacially through the depths of winter only to sprint through spring like an over-caffeinated kangaroo.

For this year-end edition, we’re giving you a wrap-up of the extraordinary year that was 2025. A year that, frankly, deserves a proper celebration.

2025 Wrap-Up

Let’s cast our eyes back over the highlights.

This year, Regional Arts WA distributed 126 grants totalling $1,711,126.

That’s 126 creative visions realised and 126 communities enriched!

Another major milestone was the game-changing $3.3 million partnership with Minderoo Foundation, which will fuel regional creativity for years to come.

We started the year with the Mid West Creative Ecology Summit, which brought brilliant minds together in Geraldton to explore the region’s creative ecology – its values, innovative practices, and the power of working together to build a thriving creative future.

We also amplified Climate Conversations in Albany, Margaret River, and Derby, building on the incredible climate-focused creative work happening in those regions and exploring how creativity and climate action can come together for greater impact.

The Regional Arts Network grew to a robust 20 organisations, and in June, we gathered at the State Library of WA for planning, strategy, and a memorable conversation with Minister for Creative Industries Simone McGurk about the future of regional arts.

We launched our shiny new website – faster, more accessible, and altogether more delightful to navigate. And our motion graphic ‘Where the Land Speaks, Art Listens’ gave 11 regional artists visibility in the heart of Perth, at Yagan Square.

Six Next Level Arts Worker Fellowships were announced for young people,

including three with sector partners Arts Margaret River, the Blueroom Theatre, and the City of Greater Geraldton – investing in emerging talent who’ll shape regional arts for decades to come.

And our Social Fabric Equity Project continued to build stronger communities across Esperance and Kalgoorlie.

To the Year-Ahead

Thank you for being part of our creative community. Here’s to your year ahead – may it be filled with bold artistic visions, unexpected collaborations, and moments of pure creative joy.

A Well-Earned Break

Our office will be closed from 22 December through 5 January when the brilliant RAWA team will be recharging batteries and enjoying the festivities of the silly season. We’ll return refreshed and ready to champion regional arts with renewed vigour.

With gratitude and festive cheer,

Pilar and the entire Regional Arts WA team

Featured image: RAWA Board members. Photo by Taya Reid.