The City of Fremantle has launched an initiative designed to connect, strengthen and celebrate the creative community in Fremantle and beyond.
The Creative Cohort program is free to join and offers practical support through industry updates, shared resources, workshops and networking events, helping creatives at every stage of their journey build skills, connections and confidence.
Director of Creative Arts and Community Pete Stone says the initiative is based on community feedback and is a tangible outcome of the City's Strategic Community Plan and Arts, Culture and Creative Strategy.
"Creatives have been telling us that they'd benefit from more access to professional development opportunities. This central hub will coordinate a whole host of those activities."
The other focus of the Creative Cohort is networking opportunities, for creatives to share their successes and challenges with their peers.
"Working as a creative can be quite isolating. This initiative will bring together groups of artists and performers with similar interests to feel more seen and celebrated," Mr Stone said.
Participants from all areas of the arts, including visual art, music, theatre, literature and more, are encouraged to join.
Whether they're looking for mentorship, grant advice, marketing support, space to work or simply to expand their networks, the program offers opportunities tailored to a wide range of needs.
Creative Cohort members will receive access to a regular mailout, skills workshops, peer support groups and social events, with many of the activities being free or low-cost.
Visual artist Brent Harrison will be delivering some of the workshops.
"Creative Cohort is an exciting initiative by the City of Fremantle that provides essential professional development opportunities for artists to learn about grant writing and staging an exhibition.
"These skills are essential for artists to maintain a sustainable career and to continue developing their practice.
"I look forward to sharing my own experiences in the arts with participants and hearing about the fantastic projects happening in Walyalup Fremantle and beyond!"
Artist Bo Wong is also keen to share her 20 years' of skills and experiences with others, including workshops on 11 October and 22 November, covering digital and social media communications.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of Creative Cohort Fremantle. It's no surprise that Walyalup Fremantle is leading the way in offering opportunities and pathways for professional development for creatives, supporting the ongoing cultural growth that the City is known for."
There's also a 'How to set up your market stall' workshop on 15 November and a 'How to put on an exhibition' workshop on 27 November.
