The future is regional. The future is creative.®

Regional Arts Australia (RAA) is the national voice for arts in regional, rural, and remote Australia. For more than 80 years, we’ve been championing the belief that everyone - no matter where they live - should have the opportunity to create, share, and experience the arts. We’re a not-for-profit organisation working to make sure arts and creativity are at the heart of regional life, and embedded in how governments, industries, and communities plan for the future. We bring together artists, community groups, not-for-profits, commercial partners, and all levels of government to strengthen the creative fabric of regional Australia.

At RAA, place matters. It shapes creative practice and connects art deeply to the people, histories, and landscapes it springs from. Place-based arts don’t just enrich culture - they support local economies, boost participation, and build stronger, more connected communities. We believe in a thriving creative ecosystem - one that crosses art forms, connects communities, and reflects the incredible diversity of our cultural landscape. Our programs are co-designed with the sector, ensuring they respond to real needs, spark innovation, and lay the groundwork for long-term cultural and economic sustainability.

Regional Australia is changing, and so is the role of the arts within it. We’re here as an active, informed, and collaborative voice in this changing environment - supporting artists, creative workers, and communities to tell their stories, grow their practice, and connect with audiences near and far. Our founder, Miss Dorothy Helmrich - fondly known as Dot - envisioned a country where the arts were accessible to everyone, no matter the postcode. Her vision continues to guide us today:

WHAT WE DO & HOW WE DO IT: