The department recognises regional arts development as a priority.
We are committed to improving access to arts and culture and acknowledge the importance of finding new ways to support those who are producing world class work in regional, rural and remote locations.
Eligible regional applicants are encouraged to apply to all funding programs offered by the department however there are a number of programs targeted specifically for regional Western Australia.
Over 6 years, the $8 million Regional Exhibition Touring Boost will create more opportunities for regional Western Australians to engage with visual arts by increasing the number of touring exhibitions available to regional audiences.
The Regional Exhibition Touring Boost program will also assess and upgrade regional galleries, offer professional development for gallery staff and artists, and improve gallery education resources and digitised learning programs.
Touring exhibitions supported through the Freighting Ideas exhibition touring partnership between ART ON THE MOVE and AGWA include:
In addition, two major Aboriginal art exhibitions were presented at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Desert River Sea: Portraits of the Kimberley was an exciting, experimental, and current look at Aboriginal art from the Kimberley, Western Australia. This landmark exhibition celebrates the conclusion of a six-year visual arts research and development project between the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Aboriginal artists and art centres in the Kimberley. Desert River Sea was exhibited at the Art Gallery of Western Australia in 2019.
The Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program aims to create jobs, economic development, tourism and improve social cohesion by supporting the creative and cultural industries in regional Western Australia.
Over 4 years, the program will deliver almost $20 million to regional WA. Through strategic investments, it will build capacity in the regions and contribute to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities.
The program will deliver on Our Priorities: Sharing Prosperity to strengthen economies, create jobs and nurture prosperity in the regions.
The Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program has 3 streams:
Contributing to an innovative and robust local economy. A State of Creativity will consist of:
Support for the State’s regional performing arts and entertainment centres through CircuitWest.
Supporting the performing arts in regional Western Australia.
Commissioning new performing arts work which is relevant to regional audiences and will be premiered in regional venues.
Supporting touring performing arts shows to regional and remote Western Australia.
Touring performing arts shows to regional WA
The State Government is committed to supporting sustainable and ethical Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts industries in regional and remote Western Australia. In doing so Strengthening Aboriginal Arts will support:
Providing opportunities for Aboriginal artists to share their stories through the development of new, large scale work.
Providing business development support for planning and skill development in the regional Aboriginal arts and culture sector.
Delivering upon the State’s policy driver of supporting vibrant, liveable, sustainable communities that are empowered in their decision making and better connected their communities by:
Improving social inclusion and access to arts and culture in regional WA.
Incentivising regional local governments to develop creative and cultural plans and activities.
The Regional and Remote Festivals Fund supports arts and cultural activity at regional and remote festivals in Western Australia.
Support for regional artists and organisations administered by Regional Arts WA.
Increasing participation, capacity and leadership in young people administered by Regional Arts WA.