- New exhibitions, residencies and art workshops coming to Mandurah and Narrogin
- Funding to support Creative WA's vision to grow art development and community engagement
- Part of the Cook Government's commitment to strengthening the creative industries
A fresh wave of creativity is coming to two of Western Australia's regional public galleries through a funding boost from the Cook Government.
Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM) and Arts Narrogin are the latest recipients of targeted initiative support through the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, designed to expand the reach and capacity of public regional galleries across the State.
The Regional Exhibition Touring Boost supports investment in regional visual arts activity and regional galleries to build capacity in regional venues and arts workers and increase access to high-quality arts and culture for regional communities.
Arts Narrogin has been awarded $45,000 to support the expansion of its visual arts program with a year-long series of exhibitions, public programs, community workshops and professional development opportunities for regional arts workers and volunteers.
The City of Mandurah's CASM has been awarded $42,000 to deliver a three-tiered artist-in-residence program. The program will include two three-month residencies - one focused on youth and the other on community engagement - and a six-month residency that will culminate in a public exhibition.
These projects mark the next stage of creative development for these galleries, supporting further engagement with local communities, building the arts workforce and encouraging cultural tourism.
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"Arts and culture are vital to the health and identity of our communities - and that includes those in regional WA.
"Through Creative WA and programs like the Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, we're focused on building strong regional galleries that not only showcase great art but also grow local talent and strengthen local economies.
"Whether it's through a community-led residency or an expanded exhibition programming, these projects will ensure more people across WA can access meaningful cultural experiences close to home."
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"Projects like these create opportunities for local artists, attract visitors to our regions, and help develop a vibrant cultural landscape that benefits the entire community.
"This funding demonstrates the Cook Government's commitment to strengthening the social and economic fabric of regional WA by backing the people and places that bring communities together."
As stated by Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams:
"The artist in residence program will be fantastic for Mandurah and will encourage people of all ages to be engaged in the creative industries.
"We want to build the arts workforce and encourage cultural tourism in regional areas."
