- Grants of up to $150,000 available for regional performing arts projects
- Cook Government supporting the touring of WA productions across regional and remote communities
- Theatre 180's '21 Hearts' sold-out tour standout example of program success
The latest round of the Regional Performing Arts funding program is now open, supporting the creation of new works and the touring of Western Australian productions to regional and remote communities across the State.
Delivered through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program, the initiative helps ensure regional audiences have the same opportunities to enjoy professional performing arts as those living in metropolitan Perth.
The program features two funding categories, with grants of up to $150,000 available:
- Made in WA - supporting the development of new performing arts works that are relevant and responsive to regional audiences; and
- Playing WA - supporting the touring of WA-produced shows to regional and remote communities.
The impact of this program is evident, with Theatre 180's moving production '21 Hearts', supported with a $149,625 grant through the Playing WA category, having completed a standout tour across regional WA earlier this year.
Written by Jenny Davis and directed by Stuart Halusz, '21 Hearts' explores the story of World War II nurse Vivian Bullwinkel and her internment as a prisoner-of-war alongside many of her colleagues following the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke.
With performances in York, Bridgetown, Beverley, Albany, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton, it sold out 6 of the 7 performances and reached over 2,300 regional attendees making it one the most successful Playing WA tours yet.
The 2025-26 round of Regional Performing Arts funding is now open. www.cits.wa.gov.au/funding/creative-industries-funding/regional-performing-arts
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"Regional communities deserve access to world-class arts experiences - and funding programs like Made in WA and Playing WA ensure this happens.
"The success of '21 Hearts' shows how impactful this funding can be - bringing powerful stories to the stage and attracting thousands of audience members across regional WA.
"Through the Regional Performing Arts fund, the Cook Government is making sure that high-quality productions like this one reach audiences right across our State - not just in Perth."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The success of the '21 Hearts' tour shows just how much regional audiences value access to world-class arts experiences close to home. It's fantastic to see country communities turning out in such strong numbers to support this moving production.
"Through this funding from the Cook Government, we can bring productions of this calibre to the regions. This not only enriches community life, it also supports regional venues, hospitality and tourism operators, creating a positive flow-on effect across the whole region."
