The City of Fremantle has received a Lotterywest grant of $282,000 to upgrade production equipment at the heritage-listed Victoria Hall.
The grant will fund new audio-visual, sound and lighting equipment, which will significantly expand Victoria Hall's technical capabilities and make it easier for venue hirers to 'plug and play'.
City of Fremantle Director Creative Arts and Community, Pete Stone, said "The improvements will equip the venue with modern infrastructure to host accessible performances and community activities in a space that honours its historic character."
The City of Fremantle assumed management of Victoria Hall in July 2025 to provide an affordable workspace for artists, creatives and community to generate ideas and foster connection.
"The use of the hall has grown strongly, with 34 bookings of varied lengths in the first 10 months across drama, art, performance, theatre, community groups, festivals, and more," Mr Stone said.
Some of the arts and culture uses include Performing Lines, Fremantle Biennale, Spart Parts Puppet Theatre, CircusWA, Acting Out, BBC Film Crew, Fremantle Women's Choir, Side Note Community Choir. As well as individuals using it for theatre and dance development.
Some of the community uses include local schools, meetings, and private events including a wedding.
Some of the City uses include The FAC Yeah Choir, Citizenship Ceremony, and 10 Nights in Port festival events.
Built in 1897, Victoria Hall's history as a people's place is long and storied. It has been a parish, a dance venue hosting weekly concerts for 30 years, an op-shop, a place for rehearsals, classes, performances and events.
Its notable custodians include Deckchair Theatre Company, the Fly by Night, and Fremantle Theatre Company.
The funding was provided as part of Lotterywest's Arts and Culture Infrastructure Grant Program.
"Through supporting upgrades to spaces and access to new equipment and technology, this funding is helping our WA creatives focus on the creation and delivery of their work. It is also helping to deliver a better experience for our audiences," Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said.
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