Three-year $3.3m Minderoo and Regional Arts partnership to benefit Mid West and Gascoyne creative groups

A new $3.3 million partnership between the Minderoo Foundation and Regional Arts WA is set to inject vital support into regional arts, with three Mid West and Gascoyne organisations among the first to benefit.

Announced on Tuesday, the three-year collaboration will support the delivery of Regional WA’s Thrive! Arts, Culture and Creativity Investment Framework 2025-2029, a Statewide strategy to strengthen local arts organisations, boost community engagement and build a more resilient creative sector.

“This strategic partnership represents a pivotal moment for regional arts in Western Australia,” said Pilar Kasat, CEO of Regional Arts WA.

“Minderoo Foundation’s investment is a timely and powerful endorsement of sustained, place-based arts development that supports the people, skills, and creative capacity that underpin vibrant regional communities.”

The partnership builds on a collaboration that began in 2019 with the establishment of the Regional Arts Network, and will continue to support a Statewide group of 20 not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations — including Yamaji Art and North Midlands Project in the Mid West, and Creality in the Gascoyne.

“We believe in the transformative power of the arts to connect, inspire, and uplift communities, especially in regional Western Australia,” Minderoo Foundation co-chair Nicola Forrest said.

“Through Thrive, Minderoo is proud to support a strategy that will expand access, deepen participation, and ensure that regional voices continue to shape the cultural landscape of our state.”

The Regional Arts Network currently reaches 44 local government areas, generating over $19 million in annual turnover, employing more than 200 creative workers and 1200 artists, and engaging more than 2000 volunteers each year.

“Minderoo Foundation is backing the Thrive Framework to help build more vibrant and connected communities across regional Western Australia,” Minderoo Foundation CEO John Hartman said.

“This partnership is about strategically aligning resources and amplifying impact to give the regional arts sector and artists the long-term support they need to thrive.”

More than 70 per cent of the funding will go towards industry connection, capacity-building, and a new creative collaboration fund designed to accelerate impact across the regions.

Representatives from the network expressed their eagerness for the partnership.

“The Regional Arts Network knows first-hand that the arts contribute to community vibrancy, local job creation, and wellbeing,” they said.

“This funding ensures that we will strengthen our capacity of 20 organisations across the State and build long-term sustainability for creatives who are the cultural backbone of our communities.”