Resources

Regional Arts WA

Currently we are experiencing a change in our social and economic landscape that is directly impacting our arts sector. As an organisation we are committed to providing you with support during this time.

Content is being added to this page as we receive new information, check back regularly for updated advice and resources.

Last updated Tuesday 12 August 2020 10am

The Government of Western Australia have committed $1 million for the Regional Arts Resilience Grants Program to support creative and cultural activity in WA’s regions and will be delivered by Regional Arts WA.
The commencement of Phase 5 of WA’s roadmap to recovery has been delayed until 29 August.
Guidelines for the Federal Government Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund were released.

Click below to see resources

News and Updates

Tuesday 11 August

Guidelines for the Federal Government Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund were released.

Friday 24 July

The commencement of Phase 5 of WA’s roadmap to recovery has been delayed until 15 August.

Tuesday 21 July

The Federal Government announced the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments will be extended.

Thursday 2 July

FRINGE WORLD 2021 is now confirmed for 15 January to 14 February, making it the first of the biggest three Fringe festivals in the world to open after COVID-19 restrictions.
$57 million recovery package for WA TAFE and training sector.

Wednesday 1 July 2020

The Government of Western Australia have committed $1 million for the Regional Arts Resilience Grants Program to support creative and cultural activity in WA’s regions and will be delivered by Regional Arts WA.
Relief funding of $195,000 will be available for eligible regional art galleries that cancelled exhibitions and closed their doors due to COVID-19.
The Australia Council for the Arts has announced new rounds of funding for organisations and individuals, opening Friday 10 July.

Tuesday 30 June

Western Australia to host Australia’s first post COVID-19 live music event – WA Unlocked – on 18 July, the day the restrictions are being removed.
REX regional flight services and access to discounted community fares have been increased to help with COVID recovery.

Monday 29 June

Safe Work Australia have launched the COVID-19 Small Business Hub to bring together information, tools and resources to help small businesses manage risks associated from COVID-19.

Friday 26 June

The Federal Government announced an $8 million boost to the National Library of Australia over the next two years to support Australia’s digital heritage portal Trove.

Thursday 25 June

The Federal Government announced a $250 million JobMaker package to support the arts and entertainment industry recover from the impact of COVID-19 over the next 12 months.

Monday 22 June

The Western Australian Government have announced Phase 4 of the WA Roadmap to recovery to commence on 27 June 2020.

Tuesday 16 June

Western Australian Screen Fund launched through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for $16 million over four years to be administered by Screenwest.

Wednesday 17 June 2020

New dates announced for NAIDOC Week 8-15 November 2020.

Wednesday 10 June

New digital platform – Collections WA – will share regional and community Western Australia’s extensive collection of cultural, creative and natural material with a world-wide audience.

Tuesday 9 June

The Live Entertainment Industry Forum (LEIF) was launched to support the COVIDSafe return of events with live audiences across Australia.
The C herish Fund is now available from the Australia Council for the Arts for First Nations individuals, groups and organisations in response to pandemic. There are three grant streams – 1. Living Libraries: supporting our cultural knowledge, 2. Creative Practice: supporting artistic creative expression and 3. Creative Workforce: supporting our artworkers in a digital world.

Thursday 4 June

PAC Australia published national guidelines for COVID-Safe Theatres
Kimberley, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara biosecurity restrictions will be lifted from Friday, June 5 as part of the WA roadmap
LPA released a media statement outlining the $345 million industry package needed to restart and rebuild the live performance industry and have provided this to government.

Tuesday 2 June

PAC Australia release phase one of the survey of the Audience Outlook Monitor

Friday 29 May

Phase 3 of the COVID-19 WA Roadmap was announced by the Government of Western Australia

Monday 25 May

Support for WA artists through $1.5 million COVID support program, The Government of Western Australia

Wednesday 20 May

Support Act Wellbeing Helpline expands to include all artists and arts workers, Arts Hub

Monday 18 May

Restrictions have been further relaxed as part of the COVID-19 WA roadmap, The Government of Western Australia

Monday 11 May

Regional travel restrictions update, The Government of Western Australia

Tuesday 5 May

Update on DLGSC culture and the arts grants due to COVID-19, The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries

Tuesday 21 April

New rapid COVID-19 test available for regional communities, The Government of Western Australia

Thursday 9 April

Targeted Support for Indigenous Arts, Regional Arts and respected charity Support Act, Hon Paul Fletcher MP

Tuesday 31 March

Resilience Fund of approximately $5M for artists and arts organisations, The Australia Council for the Arts
Screenwest Announces WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package

Monday 30 March

The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment, Australian Government The Treasury
$159 million COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide crisis support, The Government of Western Australia

Friday 27 March

WA travel restrictions come into place from midnight Tuesday, The Government of Western Australia

Thursday 26 March

Australia Council for the Arts Announces Response Package to support artists, Australia Council for the Arts

Wednesday 25 March

What are we doing in response to COVID-19?, Regional Arts WA CEO Paul MacPhail

Sunday 22 March

The Cultural and Creative Sector and COVID-19, Hon Paul Fletcher MP
$66 billion package will support the arts but does it go far enough?, Artshub

Thursday 20 March

Wednesday 18 March

Updates, changes and moves: CirctuitWest, Showcase and Tours, CircuitWest

Tuesday 17 March

Minister meets arts leaders to plan coronavirus approach, Artshub
LPA calls for $850m live performance support and stimulus package, Live Performance Australia

Monday 16 March

Regional Arts WA message about COVID-19, Regional Arts WA

Staying Creative

Resources you may find useful include:

Creative @ Home, North Midland Project
Art at Home Guide
#DistanceBetweenUs is a staff wellness program that integrates arts into the home workspaces around Australia
10 Creative Online Courses You Can Take for Free Online, Artsy
Learn-to-weave Kits, start weaving your own baskets, you can buy starter-kits from Tjanpi Desert Weavers
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’Creative Learning Resources, West Australian creators of children’s books has collated a range of materials for all ages to help teachers/parents during the COVID-19 crisis
Bird Makers Project, Co:3 Australia launches an online activity perfect for social distancing
Short Story Contest (Close 30 June), win $15K and more
Celebrate Western Australia’s writers and books, Writing WA

Available creative programs and opportunities:

Stories For Impact Scholarship, available as DIY course to complete independently, in your own time (COVID-19 scholarships available for personal capacity, rather than a professional capacity)

Staying Connected

Even as we practice social distancing, it’s important to stay connected to your peers in the arts sector. Keeping in touch reduces the burden on everyone, and lets us support each other wherever possible. We recommend checking in on:

Australian Arts amidst COVID-19 Facebook page
Not for Profit Happy Hour Australia Facebook group for Australian Not for Profit professionals needing peer support
Little Lunch Online (LLOL), Arts Front providing a chance for us to check in regularly and connect with each other
Arts and creative industry: digital support Facebook group created by Australia Council for the Arts
First Nations Roundtables, Australia Council for the Arts is hosting regular First Nations’ Roundtables to discuss the current situation in relation to COVID-19
Artist Online Meet-Ups, Stay connected and informed through a series of artist-led Zoom conversations hosted by APAM
Support people impacted by COVID-19, submit your details to our emergency support volunteer list

Thinking about starting your own videos and webinars? Check out some of these tips and guides:

How to make the most of live streaming, guide is intended for musicians who plan to stream live performances of themselves on existing
platforms such as Facebook, Twitch and YouTube
11 dos and don’ts of videoconferencing, ArtsHub article

For First Nations Communities

To keep up to date with the latest First Nations news, please follow the below:

First Nations Roundtables, Australia Council for the Arts is hosting regular First Nations’ Roundtables to discuss the current situation in relation to COVID-19
indigiTUBE is the online media platform by and for First Nations people, preserving language and culture for future generations
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia
Skinnyfish Music works with and provide opportunities for Indigenous artists and their communities. Follow their Facebook Page for First Nations messages
Strong Spirit Strong Mind has resources for Aboriginal communities on topics such as Coronavirus, social distancing and good hygiene practices.
NITV, Catch up on the latest from Australia’s national dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander TV
New dates announced for NAIDOC Week 8-15 November 2020.
The Government of Western Australia have updated COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal communities to include messages in a range of languages about Coronavirus health and travel information.

Surveys to be involved in:

Ilbijerri Theatre Company, Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, and BlakDance are seeking feedback from First Peoples Independent Performing Arts sector to ensure your needs are being heard for sustaining your arts practice during and post-COVID-19 restrictions. Please complete the survey here.

Arts and culture papers:

Impacts of COVID-19 on First Nations Arts and Culture paper created by Australia Council for the Arts from the First Nations Roundtables.

Funding or other opportunities:

Magabala Books announces First Nations Publishing Cadetship

Information that may support First Nation Communities:

Kimberley, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku and parts of the East Pilbara biosecurity restrictions will be lifted from Friday, June 5 as part of the WA roadmap
Things to think about if you are considering online sales, online Sales Platforms for Indigenous art in the new COVID-19 world
Putting works online: COVID-19 FAQs for Artists and Arts Organisations, produced by Arts Law
Local Pandemic Action Plan Template, Department of Communities
Telstra payphones (Click here for locations) in remote Aboriginal communities are now free. Department of Communities says this move will also help residents access important information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health messages for coronavirus (COVID-19) in Aboriginal languages, Only provided by the NT Government at this stage
Collection of COVID-19 health resources in language for remote Indigenous communities, collated by University of Melbourne

For CaLD Communities

Some resources and information from Diversity Arts Australia:

Survey gathering data to help us advocate for culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) creatives affected by cancellations and postponements in the creative industries. See the results so far here.

Resources for the CALD community:

SBS Language, News and information about coronavirus (COVID-19) is available below in 63 languages.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Translated Resources – Information in Your Language, Ethnolink
Department of Health provides COVID-19 info that’s translated into many different languages
Red Cross is receiving funding from the Australian Government to deliver emergency relief and casework support for people who are on temporary visas
Reporting Racism Against Asians in Australia coming out of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic, click here for survey

Current COVID-19 Grants Available

For more WA grants information relating to COVID-19:

Guidelines for the Federal Government Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) fund were released.
Regional Arts Resilience Grants Program to support creative and cultural activity in WA’s regions by Regional Arts WA.
Relief funding of $195,000 will be available for eligible regional art galleries that cancelled exhibitions and closed their doors due to COVID-19.
1000 x 1000: Crisis Cash for Artists, group of Champion Companies has been actively fundraising to provide emergency financial relief to artists in need
APRA have announced more money for their Sustainability Fund to provide ongoing support for their members to continue to create new work.
Artist Relief Fund WA, for when you are experiencing hardship and need to apply for financial assistance
Australia Council for the Arts – $5M Resilience Fund
COVID-19 Rapid Advocacy Fund, a donor pool that can rapidly inject funds into strategic advocacy campaigns responding to the pandemic in Australia
Crisis Cash for Artists, $1000 emergency payments to support independent artists who do not have access to a financial safety net – donations can also be made to support the program here
Facebook Small Business Grants
Lotterywest COVID-19 Relief Fund
Screenwest WA Screen Industry Sustainability Package
The Cultural Fund, Copyright Agency

Other grants available:

The Australia Council for the Arts has announced new rounds of funding for organisations and individuals – closes 1 September.
Screenwest WA Elevate and Elevate+ (closes 5 August), provide a calling-card for early to mid-career Western Australian filmmakers
Good Things Foundation have a Building Digital Skills grant and a Capacity Building grant now available.

Curious about other States and sector funding opportunities? Please check out the Funding Centre

Work Opportunities

Some opportunities to consider if you are an artist or arts worker:

2020 Artist Callout, 2020 National Young Writers’ Festival
Stave It Off, connecting potential students and with some of the best freelance musicians in Australia for online lessons
#AloneTogether Commissions: Australian Content Online, 10 x $1000 bursaries will be available to the Australian music community to create online materials for our students that we can deliver in 2020

Looking for job opportunities? Some listings below:

AgriArts Facebook page to connect artists with Australian agricultural employment
Jobs for Artist Facebook Group
ArtsTasker Facebook Group for the Arts and Entertainment community to connect and utilise their other skills for small odd jobs and paid work

Other information, you might be interested in:

1000 x 1000: Crisis Cash for Artists, group of Champion Companies has been actively fundraising to provide emergency financial relief to artists in need
Artist Toolkit Livestream: Centrelink for Artists, helping you navigate Centrelink and government support for artists and creatives
Artist Relief Fund WA, for when you are experiencing hardship and need to apply for financial assistance
JobKeeper Payments – Supporting businesses to retain jobs and cover the costs of their employees’ wages, so that more employees can retain their job.
Accessing your super & income protection insurance during the current health emergency, Media Super
Freelance Guide for Coronavirus Planning
COVID-19 Financial Survival Guide, provides steps you can take to look after yourself and your family financially in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Support people impacted by COVID-19, submit your details to our emergency support volunteer list

Opportunities for organisations:

McCusker Centre for Citizenship is inviting organisations to host one or more University of WA interns in Semester 2 (August-November)

Online Learning and Webinars

Regional Arts WA has coordinated a calendar in an effort to collate the vast amount of webinars and workshops available online. Please click here to view the full calendar filled with online learning opportunities across the state and nationally.

We are continuing to host a series of webinars in the coming weeks:

To see our past chats, please click here. Stay tuned on our Facebook Page for our next chats.

Thinking about starting your own videos and webinars? Check out some of these tips and guides:

How to make the most of live streaming, guide is intended for musicians who plan to stream live performances of themselves on existing
platforms such as Facebook, Twitch and YouTube
11 dos and don’ts of videoconferencing, ArtsHub article

Working From Home Resources

From 29 May, restrictions have been further relaxed as part of the COVID-19 WA roadmap. Thinking of returning back to the office? Here is the latest information from the State Government, it details the businesses which can be re-opened along with safety guidelines and plans.

Resources you may find useful include:

Some tips from Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council – Kirsty Duffy
Not-for-profit technology resources for the COVID-19 crisis, IT ideas from Infoxchange to keep you connected with colleagues
Google tips that enables you to work. teach and learn from anywhere
How to look after your mental health when working from home, ABC article providing some useful tips

Templates and guides that may support you working from home:

Working from Home Checklist, Australian Government Department of Finance
Guide to setting up your workstation, Government of WA, Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
Working from Home Guidelines from Arts Centre Melbourne
Positive Connections for Team Members from Arts Centre Melbourne
Positive Connections for leaders from Arts Centre Melbourne

More info you may consider:

Employees working from home, ATO provides some guidelines on how to claim a deduction for working from home
If you do need to travel between WA communities, apply for a G2G PASS. This is a initiative by The Western Australia Police Force

Governance Resources

Governance resources to support your organisation:

Australia Council for the Arts have published a Strategic Plan Framework – A Guide for Arts Organisations.
Volunteering WA is providing some volunteering advice during COVID-19
Unsure if need to hold your AGM? Read this advice from the Government of Western Australia. There is also advise from Institute of Community Directors Australia
Live Performance Australia has an extensive collection of resources to help you navigate the complexities of the workplace regulatory landscape.
What directors need to know about the lifting of director liability for insolvent trading, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Charities, the ACNC and COVID-19, webinar with the ATO providing overview of Federal Government’s recently announced support for the charity and NFP sectors

Specific COVID-19 resources you may find useful include:

Prepare to fail: how to be successful in a virtual AGM, artcle from Arts Hub
Institute of Community Directors – Save Our Sector shares a specific Epidemic/Pandemic Policy plus much more
Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission (ACNC) provides a guide for charity operations and COVID-19
World Health Organisation shares a guide on helping your workplace be ready for COVID-19
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Resources for COVID-19
Justice Connect shares guide for the not-for-profit sector
Safe Work Australia have launched the COVID-19 Small Business Hub to bring together information, tools and resources to help small businesses manage risks associated from COVID-19.
Putting works online: COVID-19 FAQs for Artists and Arts Organisations, produced by Arts Law

Finance Resources

A range of how-to information relating to finances:

How to set up a profit and loss statement, Australian Government – Business
My Business Health, Tools to get your business and your health back on track

More info you may consider:

Employees working from home, ATO provides some guidelines on how to claim a deduction for working from home
JobKeeper Payments – Supporting businesses to retain jobs
Accessing Centrelink during COVID-19, a simple step-by-step guide to see if you are eligible for assistance, and if so, how to access it

Events Cancellation Advice

Resources you may find useful include:

COVID-19 FAQs for artists, Arts Law
COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for consumers, ACCC
COVID-19 (coronavirus) information for small business, ACCC

The State Government, through Lotterywest, is committing $159 million into a COVID-19 Relief Fund to respond to the hardship being experienced by the Western Australian community as a result the COVID-19 pandemic and this includes Event Cancellation Relief for Arts, Sports and Community Groups.

Arts Law also released this guide: Putting works online: COVID-19 FAQs for Artists and Arts Organisations

Surveys and Advocacy

If you are an artist or arts worker effected by COVID-19, please complete the below surveys. They are designed to capture the full impact of COVID-19 to our sector and also provide a tool for our state and national peak bodies to ensure the arts sector is not forgotten in any relief packages.

A huge thanks to everyone who spent time writing to local members and responding to surveys. As a result, the stimulus package announced included support for creative and cultural businesses and not-for-profits as well as increased support to many casuals and sole traders in the cultural and creative sector who lost income. Read more about the package here.

Australia Council for the Arts provides a summary of a number of peak bodies who initiated surveys to track impacts of the pandemic on artists and arts organisations. Click here for details, this is correct as of 6 April 2020.

Wellbeing Resources

There are some free services available specifically for the arts culture and entertainment sector:

Support Act Wellbeing Helpline on 1800 959 500. It is free and accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days per year
Arts Wellbeing Collective has a range of resources available

There is also other crisis support services available, they are incredibly important and helpful.

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
National Mental Health Helpline on 1300 643 287 (they are also offering support groups, click here)

The World Health Organisation guides for Coping with Stress and Helping Children Cope with Stress that may assist you during this time.

Specific COVID-19 information

For more information about COVID-19 and how it is impacting the arts in Australia, we recommend reading the Australia Council for the Arts COVID-19 information page.

Other useful sources of information include:

Recovery resources:

Click below to see resources

News and Updates

Staying Creative

Staying Connected

For First Nations Communities

For CaLD Communities

Current COVID-19 Grants Available

Work Opportunities

Online Learning and Webinars

Working From Home Resources

Governance Resources

Finance Resources

Events Cancellation Advice

Surveys and Advocacy

Wellbeing Resources

Specific COVID-19 information

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