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Department of Culture and the Arts

Department of Regional Development

Regional Venues Improvement Fund Handbook and Application Information 2016

2 Regional Venues Improvement FundHandbook and Application Information

Department of Culture and the Arts Gordon Stephenson House 140 William Street Perth WA 6000

Telephone: +61 8 6552 7400 Toll Free (country WA callers only): 1800 199 090 TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 08 6552 7400 Speak and Listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 08 6552 7400 Internet relay users connect to the NRS www.iprelay.com.au/call/index.aspx then ask for 08 6552 7400

Email: [email protected] Website: www.dca.wa.gov.au

About Department of Culture and the Arts

The Department of Culture and the Arts (DCA) guides the delivery of culture and arts for Western Australia through the provision of policy development, coordination and support services to the Culture and Arts portfolio. DCA also supports the culture and the arts sector.

This publication is current at April 2016 © Department of Culture and the Arts. All rights reserved.

Cover image: The Last Great Hunt. Pictured Adriane Daff Photograph by Jarrad Seng

www.dca.wa.gov.au

www.iprelay.com.au/call/index.aspx


Contents

Section 1: Program Information ..............................................4 About the Regional Venues Improvement Fund

Section 2: Eligibility .................................................................5 Who is Eligible to Apply?

Section 3: RVIF Grants Available ............................................6 Important Dates

Section 4: How to Apply .........................................................7

Section 5: RVIF Categories ....................................................9 Category 1 - Technical Equipment Upgrades Category 2 - Venue Functional Upgrades

Section 6: Support Material ..................................................11

Section 7: Assessment and Notification ..............................13 Assessment Process Assessment Criteria Notification, Payments and Acquittal

Section 8: Additional Information for Applicants ..................15 Project Exclusions Funding Contributions Estimating Expenses Goods and Services Tax Commencement of Projects Reporting Claims and Payments Acknowledgements and Requirements Sources of Information RVIF Definitions


Program Information About the Regional Venues Improvement Fund The Regional Venues Improvement Fund (RVIF) is part of the State Government’s $24 million Royalties for Regions investment in culture and the arts.

The RVIF is designed to assist regional Local Government Authorities (LGAs) and eligible not for profit culture and arts organisations to improve the quality and sustainability of performing arts and entertainment venues in regional areas across the state.

Specifically, the RVIF’s objectives are to: 1. improve the quality of performing arts and cultural infrastructure in WA regional

performing arts and entertainment venues; and2. strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of regional WA performing arts and

entertainment venues to deliver culture and the arts services to the WesternAustralian community.

The RVIF funds technical equipment and functional upgrades to regional Western Australian performing arts and entertainment venues. Technical equipment upgrades are limited to infrastructure directly in support of the delivery of culture and the arts services.

The RVIF has a fixed term of three years that commences in 2015/16. The total value of the RVIF is $7.8 million.

For more information or assistance with your application, contact the Grants team by phone (08) 6552 7400 or email [email protected].

To submit your final application by email: [email protected] or by post (details page 7).


Eligibility Who is Eligible to Apply? To be eligible to apply for a DCA grant, organisations must first satisfy the general eligibility criteria outlined in the DCA Grants General Eligibility document.

Venue Eligiblity An eligible venue for the RVIF is: • located in regional Western Australia;• primarily delivers performing arts and entertainment services; and• has capacity to receive touring performing arts productions.

If your venue is a multi-purpose or co-located facility, you will need to demonstrate in the application that, subject to a successful outcome, the funding provided will be used to meet the major objectives of the RVIF.

It is desirable, but not essential, that venues and organisations are members of CircuitWest or Country Arts WA.

Performing arts and entertainment venues must fit within the eligibility requirements and definition used for the purpose of the program:

Performing arts and entertainment venue – A building that is used primarily for the programming, production, presentation, exhibition, creation of work, or any combination of the above functions of any of the performing arts and cultural disciplines, such as: music, music theatre, Aboriginal theatre, dance and drama.

Organisation Eligibility The RVIF is open to regional Local Government Authorities and eligible not-for-profit Western Australian arts and/or cultural organisations that own or operate a performing arts and entertainment venue located in regional WA.

You are not eligible for RVIF if:

• you have received a DCA grant that has not been satisfactorily acquittedaccording to the conditions of the grant;

• your lease period in the venue is less than 10 years from the date of the RVIFfunding application;

• you have a statutory base; or• you are a State Government arts and cultural Department/Agency that is

accommodated in regional State Government owned and operated facility.

http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/Documents/Online_Grants/General_Information/DCA_Grants_General_Eligibility.pdf


RVIF Grants Available RVIF funds will be granted towards the components of a project that will improve, or is integral to regional performing arts and entertainment venues.

The following funding categories are available in 2016:

1. Technical Equipment UpgradesThis category is to assist Applicants to upgrade technical equipment at regionalperforming arts and entertainment venues. It is is divided into two funding streams -Minor and Major.

2. Venue Functional UpgradesThis category is to assist Applicants to improve functionality and amenity at regionalperforming arts and entertainment venues for the provision of performing artsproductions. Projects may include, but is not limited to, back of house and stageimprovements, front of house and patron amenity and disability or access upgrades.

Please note, Applicants may only submit one application per venue to each category in this funding round. If you are a successful applicant from previous RVIF rounds you may also apply for funding towards a separate project in the 2016 funding rounds.

Important Dates

Category ApplicationsOpen

ClosingDate Assessment Notification Project

Start Date Project End Date

Minor Technical EquipmentUpgrades

14 April 2016 4pm,Thursday30 June 2016

July 2016 September After 1 October 2016

Expendprior to30 June 2017

Major Technical EquipmentUpgrades



Expendand claim prior to30 June 2019

Venue Functional Upgrades



Expendand claim prior to30 June 2019


How to Apply 1. Plan your project and applicationAs an applicant you will need to demonstrate that you have adequate resources to manage, maintain and operate the proposed project, either within your own organisation or in partnership, and have support from the venue/land owners.

◊ Check that you are eligible for DCA funding and your venue fits within the RVIF guidelines.

◊ Carefully plan out your project in consultation with your LGA, venue owner and relevant stakeholders.

◊ Read DCA’s RVIF Application Form, checking you can address the Assessment Criteria and include information and support material required to complete the application.

◊ Collate all your project information and supporting material ready for completing the DCA Application.

◊ Make sure you have written support from your venue owner and have secured associated resources and funding. If your venue is owned by a LGA, written support will need to be in the form of a formal letter and an Ordinary Council Meeting minutes. Where this needs to be ratified at an Ordinary Council Meeting after the closing date it can be submitted via email [email protected] before 4pm Thursday, 14 July 2016 (prior to

panel assessment).

2. Choose your application methodYou have the option of submitting your application and support materials electronically or via postal delivery. You cannot use a combination of these methods.

All applications must be recieved by DCA before 4pm, Thursday 30 June 2016.

Apply electronically (preferred) If you wish to apply electronically, complete the RVIF Application Form, and send with your support material to [email protected].

Your email with attachments cannot exceed 8MB. Where possible, collate like documents and save them as a single file (e.g. letters of support). If your application exceeds this limit, you may send as an external file hosting site such as Dropbox.

Or submit a hardcopy application Complete the RVIF Application Form, include accompanying support material and post to: Regional Venues Improvement Fund Department of Culture and the Arts PO Box 8349 Perth Business Centre PERTH WA 6849


3. After submitting your application to DCAIf your venue is owned or operated by an LGA, after submitting your application to DCAmake sure you:1. Print the completed application and submit with support material to the venue’s

associated LGA for ratification at the next Ordinary Council Meeting (if this was not already undertaken at the time of submitting your application).

2. Forward the Ordinary Council Meeting minutes to DCA [email protected] prior to 4pm Thursday 14 July 2016. Minutes must be received by DCA prior to assessment.

Please note: the LGA comments upon, prioritises and prepares recommendations to the next Ordinary Council Meeting for ratification. This process applies to applications with venues owned by LGAs, including applicants that are an LGA.

If you require clarification of information required your application please contact the DCA Grants team by email: [email protected].


RVIF Categories Category 1 - Technical Equipment Upgrades This category is to assist Applicants to upgrade technical equipment at regional performing arts and entertainment venues. It is divided into two funding streams - Minor and Major. The RVIF will not fund 100 per cent of the project cost.

Applicants can apply for one of the following categories:

Item Minor Technical Equipment Upgrades

Major Technical Equipment Upgrades

Scope A Minor Grant will be awarded to projects requiring a low to moderate level of planning and procurement. It is designed to address the procurement of technical equipment involving minimal installation costs (e.g. plug-and play systems).

A Major Grant will be awarded to technical equipment upgrade projects involving an advanced level of planning and procurement and may require complex installation to existing venue infrastructure.

Projects considered eligible

May include, but not limited to procurement of public address and microphone systems; video projection systems; wireless communication systems; and LED display systems.

May include, but not limited to procurement of high value single items such as the installation of digital dimmer systems, external digital signage, acoustic improvements (non-structural); and/ or procurement of multiple low to moderate value equipment items such as lighting or audio equipment/ accessories.

Projects Costs associated with compliance Costs associated with compliance considered not requirements of an existing facility, requirements of an existing facility, eligible disability access, OS&H, Australian

Standards, National Construction Code or other legislative or compliance requirements.

See Project Exclusions

disability access, OS&H, Australian Standards, National Construction Code or other legislative or compliance requirements.


Grant value (excl. GST)

Minimum $2,500

Maximum $25,000

Minimum $25,001

Maximum $250,000

Assessment criteria

See Assessment and Notification See Assessment and Notification

Support materials See Support Material See Support Material

Grant funds Projects can commence on return of signed funding contract and must be expended and claimed prior to 30 June 2017.

Projects can commence on return of signed funding contracts and be expended, and claimed prior to 30 June 2019. Project milestone payments will apply.

10Regional Venues Improvement FundHandbook and Application Information

Category 2 - Venue Functional Upgrades

This category is to assist Applicants to improve functionality and amenity at regional performing arts and entertainment venues for the provision of performing arts productions. Projects may include, but are not limited to, back of house and stage improvements, front of house and patron amenity and disability or access upgrades.

The RVIF will not fund 100 per cent of the project cost.


Scope Grants in this category will be awarded to projects that are well planned and clearly demonstrate how funding will improve the capacity and effectiveness of the provision of performing arts productions at the venue, and benefit the general public, staff or defined community.

Projects considered eligible

Projects may focus on functionality for staff and patrons including back of house and stage improvements, front of house and patron amenity and disability or access upgrades.

This may include, but is not limited to assets such as: cycloramas; masking; seating; carpets; air-conditioning upgrades; tactile signage; ramps; chairlifts; reception desks and wayfinding.

Upgrades or improvements to existing assets or facilities such as roof replacement; loading docks; storage areas; hospitality areas; dressing rooms; restrooms; and service areas are also eligible.

Projects considered not eligible

Construction of new buildings.


Grant value (excl. GST)

Up to $500,000

Assessment criteria

See Assessment and Notification

Support materials See Support Material

Grant funds Must be expended, and claimed prior to 30 June 2019.

Project milestone payments will apply.


Support Material RVIF Categories

Support Material Minor Technical Equipment Upgrades

Major Technical Equipment Upgrades


Project Plan

- Detailed project descriptionand management approach

- Project rationaledemonstrating communityand/or industry need

- Itemised project budget

- Project implementationschedule, including keymilestones

- Risk management matrix

- Images, drawings, site plans,building approvals, permitsand insurances (as relevant)

Not mandatory Required

Microsoft Word or PDF

Required


Planned procurement of services and/or products

- Consultant/contractor brief (ifrelevant)

- Itemised project cost forcomponents and identified onthe relevant quote for each(including cost escalation)

- Two written quotes per projectbudget component (wherepossible) if over $2,000

Required


Required


Required


Financial planning documents

- Income and expenditurestatements for the currentand next financial years (LGAexempt)

- Written confirmation offinancial commitments fromother sources

Required


Required


Required



Performing arts program and venue use

This may include:

- Current and/or futureperforming arts/entertainmentprogram or schedules

- Business and/or marketingplans

- Building use statements

Required


Required


Required


Copy of ABN Certificate (LGA exempt)

Required Required Required

Certificate of Incorporation (LGA exempt)


Copy of Confirmation Applicant is registered for GST (LGA exempt)


Evidence of project support from venue owner and community

This may include:

- Ordinary Council Meetingminutes

- LGA approval notice

- Letters from venue owner,members of the community,LGA and/or industryrepresentatives


Strategic planning documents

This may include:

- Cultural Plan

- Heritage Policy

- Community StrategicDevelopment Plan

- Disability Access Audit

- Building maintenance plans/assessments/schedule

Not mandatory Required


Required



Assessment and Notification Assessment Process Proposals received for the RVIF are subject to a competitive application process, which includes evaluation by a panel of State Government representatives and peer assessors. Assessment panels are selected based on their industry experience, up-todate knowledge and specific areas of expertise. The panel will assess your application and support material against the following Assessment Criteria based on your project’s relevant category and funding requested.

Assessment Criteria

Financial Strength and Accountability

The Applicant demonstrates within their project plan, financial statements and supporting material a clear ability to complete the project in the required timeframe. The applicant has: • Undertaken adequate research and planning;• appointed a suitably qualified project manager/consultant (project

management group required for projects over $50,000);• sound project planning, risk management and realistic budgeting for

the project;• secured other sources of funding for the project;• a procurement process in accordance with LGA guidelines; and• organisational capacity or adequate support to undertake the

proposed project.

Consultation and Project Justification

The Applicant demonstrates the relevance of the project to the venue purpose and community of interest. The project: • is clearly connected with the services of the venue;• improves the capacity and effectiveness for delivery of performing

arts productions, and improves staff and patron amenity (for VenueFunctional Upgrades projects);

• has been developed in consultation with venue owners, relevantLGA and stakeholders; and

• has support from venue owner and associated LGA, includingrequired building approvals.

Management For major projects, with a total value at $50,000 or over, a project management group is established that has: • project management skills;• expertise in facility/venue management;• knowledge of relevant processes, especially procurement; and• where possible, a familiarity with the arts and cultural sector and its

systems.

Technical expertise is considered in the project planning to: • ensure optimum functionality of spaces;• appropriately address technical requirements;• anticipate equipment purchases; and• address the requirements of the Australian Standards, National

Construction Code (NCC) and disability access legislation.

The project complies with the Australian Standards relevant to work proposed (Standards Australia www.standards.org.au).


Notification, Payments and Acquittal All Applicants will be notified of the results by letter from the DCA approximately eight weeks after the RVIF Assessment Panel meets. Successful Applicants will then be contacted to arrange the commencement of the project and will be required to complete and sign the grant agreement and comply with any conditions of that agreement.

Payments Payment of the RVIF contribution to projects within the Minor Technical Equipment Upgrades category will be made to the Recipient once the Grant Agreement contract is signed and returned to DCA.

A milestone payment schedule will be in place for successful projects in the Major Technical Equipment Upgrades projects and Venue Functional Upgrades categories.

Applicants will receive 50 per cent of approved funding on signing of the DCA Grant Agreement, and remaining 50 per cent of approved funding on commencement of the project. Applicants must provide a completed Grant Claim Form to confirm that the project has commenced in order to receive the remaining funding. See Additional Information for Applicants for further information.

Milestone Payment Schedule

Milestone Funding provided

Signing of DCA Grant Agreement 50 per cent of approved funding

Commencement of project Remaining 50 per cent of approved funding

Acquittal A project completion report and signed Acquittal Form of the project expenditure will be required 12 weeks after the end of the grant expenditure and/or project completion date.


Additional Information for Applicants 1. Project ExclusionsDCA’s general eligiblity applies to RVIF. See DCA Grants General Eligibility document forfurther information.

The Regional Venue Improvement Fund does not support the following: • The total cost of any project;• Projects that start before the stated commencement date in the application form;• Projects seeking funding on a retrospective basis;• Capital works of new venues/buildings;• The purchase of land and/or buildings;• Recurrent maintenance and operating costs;• Community facilities not defined for the purposes of this program as a regional

performing arts and entertainment venue;• Private and public education facilities, unless exceptional circumstances can be

demonstrated and negotiated with the DCA;• Projects that cannot demonstrate support from the owners of the venue/land;• Projects that have not received appropriate planning approvals from venue owner

and/or LGA and/or do not meet disability access, Occupational Safety and Health(OS&H), Australian Standards, National Construction Code or other legislative orcompliance requirements;

• Active RVIF grants that have identified that the costs of their project have greatlyincreased;

• Project that are restricted to private or exclusive participation, which shall includerestricting access on the basis of areas such as gender, race, religion, culture,ability, age or marital status (note: specific community requirements, particularlyAboriginal community cultural protocols that define access to objects, rituals andinformation are exempt);

• Landscaping or external works associated with an existing or new facilitysurrounds, such as car parks, access roads and other infrastructure on existing orproposed facilities;

• Non-land based facilities, such as floating venues and barges;• Internally or externally sited public art projects;• Debt reduction;• Private entertainment, food, beverages, plaques, awards, or scholarships;• No part of the RVIF grant can be used to re-grant, devolve funds to another party,

or be used as funds in any other private or public grants program;• Planning dollars, including the development of architectural, engineering and other

technical services necessary to initiate the project;• Feasibility plans; and• Recipient operational support (examples, organisational salaries, travel, supplies,

and non-fixed furniture and equipment).

http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/Documents/Online_Grants/General_Information/DCA_Grants_General_Eligibility.pdf


2. Funding Contributions

The RVIF will not fund 100 per cent of the project cost.

Any LGA cash/labour/machinery/materials contribution is part of the Applicant’s contribution. Applicants and LGAs must be aware that certain services are considered to be part of the organisation’s normal function and will not be recognised. I.e. costs associated with services provided by Arts and Cultural Officers, Shire Engineers/Project Managers, Facility Managers and Administration/Finance staff.

Voluntary Labour The DCA recognises that a number of the proposed RVIF projects will be achieved through the contribution of volunteers. The value of work undertaken by volunteers can be included in the Applicant’s contribution. Voluntary labour is work undertaken by a person, without compensation or financial reward. Voluntary labour can be classified as follows: • Unskilled: General work is being undertaken where no recognised qualification is

required. This includes work that is supervised by a skilled person.• Skilled: A person with a recognised qualification specific to the work being

undertaken. E.g. Theatre Consultant, Architect or project managementprofessional.

Voluntary labour cost schedules excluding GST (subject to change): • Unskilled labour may be costed in at a maximum of $25 per hour.• Skilled labour may be costed in at a maximum of $40 per hour.• Professional labour may be costed in at a maximum of $60 per hour.

Voluntary labour guidelines: • The total value of voluntary labour is allowable up to a maximum of 25 per cent of

the estimated project cost, but cannot exceed $50,000 in value.• Applicants must use the voluntary labour cost schedules to calculate the volunteer

contribution to the project.

Donated Materials Donated materials can be recognised as part of an Applicant’s contribution. The Applicant is to provide supporting evidence to establish the value of the donated material, such as a letter from the supplier or from an independent valuation.

Any LGA cash/labour/machinery/materials contribution is part of the Applicant’s contribution. They cannot be submitted as voluntary labour or donated materials (LGA donations in cash or in-kind are treated as contributions by the Applicant).

3. Estimated ExpensesApplicants must provide a detailed list of expenses for the project. Each expense shouldbe itemised in order of priority. Only costs related to the project should be included.


Wherever possible, the proposed expenditure amounts should be supported by documentation such as two written quotes from suppliers or contractors or quantity surveyors estimates.

It is important for consideration be given to building cost increases and contingency levels. Applicants should include a contingency line in their expenses budget. The contingency amount is not to be calculated as part of the funds.

4. Goods and Services TaxTax is the responsibility of the grant recipient, who should seek advice from theAustralian Taxation Office (ATO) or a certified tax agent. Applicants are required toprovide an Australian Business Number (ABN) to be eligible for the funding.

Where the applicant organisation is an incorporated community group and is not registered for GST, RVIF grant payments will not be “grossed up” by 10 per cent of the grant amount. The recipient will supply DCA with an invoice when submitting a grant claim.

If recipients require specific advice relating to their grant, this can be obtained from the ATO. Please note that depending upon the value of the project and/or grant, the ATO may require that an organisation be registered for GST.

5. Commencement of ProjectsProjects may commence as soon as all conditions have been met, and the fundingcontract has been signed and returned to DCA.

Minor technical equipment upgrade projects may commence upon finalisation of the DCA transfer of funds to the recipient.

6. ReportingThe Recipient is required to ensure that DCA is informed of any major project issues orchanges as they arise during execution of the project.

7. Claims and PaymentsThe Recipient must adhere to the general and specific grant claim and paymentconditions.

Payment of the RVIF contribution to Major projects will be made to the Recipient in accordance with the Project Milestone Schedule.

There is a requirement for the Recipient to submit a project completion report and the RVIF acquittal form at the end of the project.


Conditions of Claims and Payments • Claims can only be made if the recipient accepts the terms and conditions of the

grant.• Grant payments will be made to the grant recipient only.• Up to a quarter of the Applicant contribution may be a combination of volunteer

labour and/or donated materials.• A claim form, schedule of voluntary labour and schedule of donated materials

will be provided to recipients for completion. Voluntary labour is allowable up to amaximum of 25 per cent of the total project cost, but cannot exceed $50,000.

• Grant Recipients are required to retain financial acquittal statements for at leasttwo years following the date of final claim. These figures may be reviewed by DCAat any time during this period.

• Early claims for grants may be accepted subject to the RVIF cash flows andapproval by the DCA Director General or delegated authority.

• Recognition of the Western Australian Government’s contribution to the project ismandatory and the RVIF program will supply appropriate display material.

• With regard to Recipient Created Tax Invoices (RCTI) the DCA and the Recipientagree that:

- the Recipient can issue tax invoices in respect of the supplies;- the Supplier will not issue tax invoices in regards to the supplies;- the Supplier is registered for GST when an agreement is entered into, and

will advise - the recipient if they cease their registered status; and- the Recipient is registered for GST when an agreement is entered into, and

will advise - the Recipient if they cease their registered status.

Goods and Services Tax Where the Applicant organisation is an incorporated community group or LGA and is registered for GST, the RVIF grant payments will be ‘grossed up’ by 10 per cent of the grant amount. Where the applicant organisation is an incorporated community group and is not registered for GST, the RVIF grant payments will not be ‘grossed up’ by 10 per cent of the grant amount. The recipient will supply DCA with a Recipient Created Tax Invoice when submitting a grant claim.

Claim Forms Grant Claim Forms will be provided by DCA for Major grants over $25,001 and consist of: • Recipient claim form for the claim at that stage of the project.• Itemised Statement of Expenditure signed by the Treasurer of the Recipient or

authorised Project Manager.• Schedule of Voluntary Labour, where voluntary labour is included on the itemised

statement of expenditure.• Schedule of Donated Materials, where donated materials are included on the

itemised statement of expenditure.

All technical aspects of the project will need to be checked and approved on the RVIF claim form by the LGA Officer to ensure that the project complies with standards outlined in the NCC, Australian Standards, government regulations and local by-laws. Where applicable, Recipients are required to forward a copy of their building permit and/


or certificate of occupancy when submitting claims for payment.

The RVIF Claim Forms and all supporting documentation are forwarded to the DCA office. Claims for payment will need to be supported with details that satisfy audit requirements.

Deferral of Approved RVIF Grant The deferral of a RVIF grant is not possible under any circumstances. Projects must be expended and claimed by dates outlined in this document.

8. Acknowledgements and RequirementsIt is a condition of the grant that the State Government’s contribution to the project berecognised by the Recipient. Acceptance of the RVIF grant means the Recipient agreesto the establishment of continuing partnerships with DCA. The Recipient will assist theDCA and other State Government departments with any research, evaluation, promotionand usage of the RVIF project as requested.

On occasion, the Minister’s office will arrange a presentation of the cheque by the Minister or the local member. It is a condition of the grant that at the completion of the project the Minister for Culture and the Arts and the Minister for Regional Development, and/or the local member, be provided the opportunity to officially open, or launch, the project.

9. Sources of Information

• CircuitWest (Including TechWest)• Country Arts WA• WA Local Government Association

http://www.circuitwest.com.au/

http://www.countryartswa.asn.au/

http://www.walga.asn.au/


10. RVIF DefinitionsApplicant/Recipient Applicants and Recipients are the same entity. The Applicant

becomes a Recipient once an offer of grant has been accepted.

Applicant’s contribution Applicant’s contribution can be made up of cash, donations, voluntary labour, Local Government Authority contribution (cash or in-kind), or other grants.

Approval to commence Project

Signing of the funding contract by the Recipient and the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Deferral An extension to expend the Regional Venues Improvement Fund outside of the timeframe allocated by the Department of Culture and the Arts.

Donations Items that are donated by an individual or organisation that is not a supplier or contractor appointed to the project e.g. materials, cash, equipment etc.

Financial year 1 July through to 30 June

In-kind contribution The documented fair market value of the non-cash contribution provided by the Applicant or third parties which consists of real property or the value of goods and services directly benefiting and specifically identifiable to the proposed project.

Local Community Venue A multi-use building, space or structure that functions as a place for public gathering of people within a community for arts, culture, sport or business events and activities.

Local Government Authority Contribution

The Local Government Authority contribution can be in-kind or cash. All Local Government Authority in-kind contributions are considered to be cash contributions.

Maintenance Non-capital items and equipment that is recurrent, for example: minor plumbing and electrical, minor roof repairs, addressing general every day wear and tear on a building, servicing of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, minor painting, lift servicing, door and window hardware etc. This also includes items which need to be upgraded to meet legislative requirements.

Non-fixed furniture Items that are not affixed to the building despite being required for the operation of the building, for example: tables, chairs, musical instruments, cultural and historical material, computers, equipment that is leased, desks and other office equipment, refrigerators, rugs, planters, etc.

Not for Profit Organisation Uses all monetary surpluses solely for the purposes of its objectives and not to financially benefit its members in any way, is incorporated under the WA Associations Incorporations Act 1987 and has an Australian Business Number (ABN).


Performing Arts and Entertainment Venue

A building or place which is used primarily for the programming, production, presentation, exhibition, creation of work, or any combination of the above functions of any of the performing arts and cultural disciplines, such as: music, music theatre, Aboriginal theatre, dance and drama.

Performing Arts Touring Production

A performing arts show that is performed by professional organisation or individuals at a number Western Australian regionally based venues for the benefit of regional communities.

Project All activities undertaken as part of the Applicant’s proposal to a performing arts and entertainment venue.

Regional For the purposes of the Regional Venues Improvement Fund, the term ‘regional’ relates to the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid-West, Wheatbelt, Goldfields-Esperance, Peel, South West and Great Southern regions.

The Venues Improvement Fund Evaluation Panel

A committee comprised of the Department of Culture and the Arts, Department of Regional Development, local government and arts entertainment industry representatives appointed to assess applications and make final grant recommendations.

For more information or assistance with your application, contact the Grants team by phone (08) 6552 7400 or email [email protected].

To submit your final application by email: [email protected] or by post (details page 7).