- More than $1 million invested in creative wellbeing programs for WA young people
- New funding supports arts-focused projects to support mental and social and emotional wellbeing
- 18 projects funded across metropolitan and regional WA
Young people across Western Australia are set to benefit from a new round of creative programs aimed at supporting mental, social and emotional wellbeing, as well as strengthening community connections.
The Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Program is a partnership between the Cook Government and Healthway, designed to engage young people in meaningful arts experiences that build confidence, encourage self-expression and resilience.
The program empowers local artists and creative organisations to connect with communities, offering young people ongoing, hands-on arts activities that promote mental, social and emotional wellbeing.
Originally launched as a pilot in 2024, the program provided $600,000 in funding to eight organisations. These projects not only improved young people's wellbeing but also created long-term employment opportunities for artists.
This year, more than $1 million has been awarded to 18 projects, highlighting the powerful impact that meaningful and ongoing creative experiences can have on young people's development.
Successful applicants for this round include:
- Arts Margaret River - $47,900 for Experimental Youth Storytelling
- Ashlyn Jada Koh (First Block Sounds) - $34,709 for The Young Women of Mowanjum
- Black Swan State Theatre Company - $75,000 for Regional Holiday Workshop
- Breaksea Inc - $75,000 for 2026 Regional Youth Ensembles
- City of Melville - $75,000 for BlakSounds
- Community Arts Network - $75,000 for Noongar Nursery Rhymes
- Constable Care - $75,000 for Reel Talk
- Curate - $60,000 for Music Makers Just for Minis
- Ellenbrook Arts Centre - $75,000 for My Story, My World
- Fleur Hockey - $52,155 for The 'Level Up Program'
- Globe Town Project - $17,295 for StoryLab Teen Writers Program
- MilkTooth - $75,000 for Comics-Making
- Rachel Riggs - $69,000 for The HOME Program
- RTR FM - $59,343 for Breaking Sound Barriers
- Shire of Carnarvon - $75,000 for Carnarvon Creative Sparks
- Southern Edge Arts - $75,000 for Kwoorabup/Denmark Workshop
- Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation - $47,600 for Wyndham Youth Engagement
- Woodlupine Family Centre - $25,890 for Youth Mural Project
More information on the Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Program and upcoming opportunities is available here .
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"This is about expanding access to culture, art and creativity for young people - especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
"Creative expression can be a powerful tool for building resilience, confidence and wellbeing in young people especially when it's embedded in their local communities.
"This program is about more than creativity - it's about giving young people across WA the chance to connect, thrive and feel seen through meaningful, hands-on artistic experiences.
"We are advancing both the arts and the health of young Western Australians - investing in programs that deliver meaningful outcomes and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant future for our communities."
As stated by Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"It is important that Western Australian young people have access to creative and inclusive initiatives that support their mental health - and that's exactly what this program delivers.
"Through music, storytelling, performance and visual art, these projects give young people space to express themselves, build self-esteem and feel part of something bigger.
"This partnership ensures young people across WA can access mental wellness support that's engaging, empowering and backed by evidence."
