Rafatdca

Rafatdca Darwin Community Arts (DCA) is the Regional Program Administrator of the Regional Arts Fund in the NT

2025 NT Quick Response recipient  - Cj Fraser-Bell, TransForm: the possibilities and politics of our trans bodiesA group...
15/08/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Cj Fraser-Bell, TransForm: the possibilities and politics of our trans bodies

A group show open to all trans and gender diverse artists in Garramilla Darwin. TransForm was an opportunity for transgender artists to connect and provide audiences with access to new NT art from a diverse group of emerging and established artists.

Testimonials from the project.

"Being part of this exhibition helped me feel part of the Darwin community in a new and special way, I never would have shared my art otherwise." - Token Taylor, Artist

"This was the most accessable project I've ever been a part of - the sign up forms, the flexibility and support, it was so welcoming. i often back out of things becasue signing up is so stressful, Cj made it so easy." - Participant

"I can't believe someone bought my art, I never thought this would happen for me!" - Participant who made an artwork at a Transform Workshop, and exhibited in the event.

"I learned a lot of things about the trans experience I didn't know before, CJ's essay and their guided tour helped me think about things I had not considered before." - Audience member

We also received feedback from the UNTiTLED gallery staff that this was the largest opening night of the year, and they seemed incredibly pleased with the exhibition.

* Image by Elliot Hughes - TransForm Opening Night

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Hermannsburg PottersClay Connections delivered a week-long workshop exchange with acc...
13/08/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Hermannsburg Potters

Clay Connections delivered a week-long workshop exchange with acclaimed First Nations ceramic artist Billy Bain in Ntaria to rebuild Hermannsburg Potters’ Men’s program. This activity kickstarted a longer-term project to re-establish a safe, culturally-grounded space for men to learn new skills, strengthen identity, and build confidence, wellbeing through art.

The workshop with Dharug ceramicist Billy Bain was a great success and a turning point for the Hermannsburg Potters men’s studio. The men who participated were highly motivated, and the quality of learning and exchange exceeded expectations. The smaller group created space for intensive, one-on-one mentorship and has resulted in lasting creative and professional relationships. Billy and the Hermannsburg artists are developing a collaborative installation for the 2026 Wynne Prize, and there are plans for further training in Ntaria and a reciprocal residency in Sydney.

One of the greatest outcomes has been the revitalisation of the men’s studio. Artist Sammy Ungwanaka has continued producing prolifically since the workshop and is now preparing for his first solo exhibition — the first to emerge from the men’s studio. This represents a major milestone in the recovery and growth of the program.

* Images by Hermannsburg Potters

The   Regional Arts Fund Project Grant round is now OPEN. Closes 13 August!Grants of up to $30,000 are available for pro...
19/06/2026

The Regional Arts Fund Project Grant round is now OPEN. Closes 13 August!

Grants of up to $30,000 are available for projects starting after 1 January 2027.

You can apply for funding to support arts projects, professional development for artists and arts workers, and community capacity building projects. Funded projects will meet the objectives of the Regional Arts Fund, to support and promote participation in, and access to, arts and culture in regional and remote Australia.

Application form available via the link in bio

Regional Arts Fund Project Grant round closes 16 March 2026Grants of up to $30,000 are available for projectsYou can app...
20/02/2026

Regional Arts Fund Project Grant round closes 16 March 2026
Grants of up to $30,000 are available for projects

You can apply for funding to support arts projects, professional development for artists and arts workers, and community capacity-building projects.

To apply visit https://regionalarts.smartygrants.com.au/NTPG2603

photo: Garrangali Band Dancer Zac Henderson 2025, BashBands

2025 NT Quick Response recipient  - Garrangali BandThis grant supported Garrangali Band, an Aboriginal band from remote ...
02/02/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Garrangali Band

This grant supported Garrangali Band, an Aboriginal band from remote NE Arnhem Land to travel to the centre of Australia to participate in the Bush Bands Program, learning and sharing music and professional industry skills with other Indigenous acts and mentors, as well as performing at the programs culmination.

‘The band definitely impressed Alice springs crew with their show and the proud demonstration of culture was really appreciated by the local mob.’
‘The Regional Arts Fund made this trip possible. It was the first time a NE Arnhem Land homeland band had come to the area and there was a great cultural connection.’

‘The band definitely impressed Alice Springs crew with their show and the proud demonstration of culture was really appreciated by the local mob.’

2025 NT Quick Response recipient  - Olivia NigroThis grant supported Olivia Nigro to undertake a highly competitive six ...
31/01/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Olivia Nigro

This grant supported Olivia Nigro to undertake a highly competitive six month manuscript mentorship with newly launched LGBTQIA+ publisher, Incision Press to develop and refine their writing for publication. Their forthcoming title is a long form lyric essay exploring the role of intentional love in escaping intimate violence.

Testimonial: London Lit Lab founder, award winning author and mentor, Dr Lily Dunn: "After assessing Olivia’s application including manuscript extracts, I can affirm that [the 2026 Memoir Bootcamp] is an invaluable professional development opportunity for them at this point in their writing career. It is particularly timely as a consolidation of the work they have done throughout their 2025 manuscript mentorship with Sydney-based publisher, Incision Press. Their writing is beautiful and distinctive".

*Image Olivia Nigro: Typewriter

2025 NT Quick Response recipient  - Maurice O'RiordanThis grant funded the book launch of candid enigma, the artful adve...
29/01/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Maurice O'Riordan

This grant funded the book launch of candid enigma, the artful adventures of Andrew Hau Ewing, authored by Maurice O'Riordan and published by dishevel books, Darwin, at the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in Ubud, Bali.

‘ I have benefited from UWRF's well-oiled publicity machine. A reputable bookshop in Adelaide caught wind of the book through UWRF publicity. This bookshop now stocks the book and is considering a related event in 2026.’

*Image courtesy UWRF: Launch of candid enigma with author Maurice and moderator Julia Winterflood, UWRF 2025 O'Riordan

2025 NT Quick Response recipient  - Numbulwar Numburindi ArtistsMaster weaver Janette Murrungun and emerging artist Shan...
27/01/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Numbulwar Numburindi Artists

Master weaver Janette Murrungun and emerging artist Shania Wurramarra traveled to Europe to present at an industry conference, connect with historical Numburindi collections and develop international networks.

‘Through workshops, presentations, and public programs across France, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, Numbulwar artists engaged diverse international audiences. Their weaving demonstrations and storytelling broadened awareness of Numbulwar culture, with media coverage and sales further amplifying their reach.’

‘The project increased professional development for artists Janette Murrungun and Shania Wurramara, who gained international experience, built networks, and raised their profiles. They presented at the European Society of Oceanists conference, led a successful weaving workshop at Fondation Opale, and began shaping a major cultural project with the Wereldmuseum and Dr. Louise Hamby. They designed an exhibition that will be held in Australia in 2027 featuring artefacts on loan from the Wereldmuseum and contemporary art.’

‘The project increased professional development for artists Janette Murrungun and Shania Wurramara, who gained international experience, built networks, and raised their profiles. They presented at the European Society of Oceanists conference, led a successful weaving workshop at Fondation Opale, and began shaping a major cultural project with the Wereldmuseum and Dr. Louise Hamby. They designed an exhibition that will be held in Australia in 2027 featuring artefacts on loan from the wereldmuseum and contemporary art.’

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Munupi ArtistsThis NT Project Quick Response grant supported Munupi arts and Crafts A...
23/01/2026

2025 NT Quick Response recipient - Munupi Artists

This NT Project Quick Response grant supported Munupi arts and Crafts Association team members to attend Sydney Contemporary to engage with audiences, and build professional relationships, facilitating connections with collectors and curators.

‘Attending Sydney Contemporary was a significant step for Munupi Arts & Crafts Association. It provided invaluable exposure for our artists, connecting them with national and international audiences, collectors, and curators. The event strengthened professional networks and opened doors for future opportunities, including potential exhibitions and gallery partnerships.’

‘A highlight was watching our artists confidently share their stories and culture with new audiences. This direct engagement was both empowering for them and deeply impactful for the public.’

‘This experience has had a lasting impact, raising the profile of our artists, building their confidence and reinforcing the value of Tiwi art on a national stage.’

* Image by Munupi Arts and Crafts Association: Munupi Artists presenting their artwork at Sydney Contemporary Art Fair 2025

Address

Palmerston City, NT

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 3pm
Tuesday 12pm - 3pm
Wednesday 12pm - 3pm
Thursday 12pm - 3pm

Telephone

+61889619005

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