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Aerial photo of Perth skyline and the Swan River with text: Diversity WA 2024 update report

Creative Industries a priority in WA’s economic framework

Dec 10, 2024
Diversify WA 2024 is out now and provides an update on the State’s economic blueprint
Old photos from the State Library of Western Australia collection

WA Reflections short documentary initiative returns for a third year

Nov 8, 2024
The State Library of Western Australia and Screenwest's WA Reflections short documentary initiative is back for a third year, with interested applicants invited to participate in a workshop exploring how to transform archival content into compelling stories.
A band of Aboriginal musicians playing on stage

Contemporary Music Fund boost for suburban and remote artists

Nov 5, 2024
Two major mentoring and development programs being supported through the WA Government's Contemporary Music Fund (CMF) will provide emerging remote and outer-metro artists with the chance of a lifetime.
PALS logo with text: Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing

PALS grants bring cultural understanding to the classroom

Oct 30, 2024
Grants totalling $88,735 that are designed to bring understanding of Aboriginal culture to Western Australian classrooms have been awarded by the WA Government through the 2024 Term 3 funding round of the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
An artist's impression of the exterior of the library, viewed from the car park near the entrance.

New library and youth space to benefit Landsdale community

Oct 30, 2024
Construction is underway on the new Dordaak Kepup - Library and Youth Innovation Hub project in Landsdale, the result of a $6 million investment by the WA Government towards the total cost of $17.6 million.
An artist's impression of the completed University building

$30 million philanthropic partnership for WAAPA

Oct 28, 2024
Edith Cowan University (ECU) and Minderoo Foundation have entered into a transformational $30 million, 25-year philanthropic partnership to advance Australian arts and culture by supporting a state-of-the-art new home for the university's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
A group of young people around a table writing on sticky notes seen from above.

The Blue Room Theatre’s program is cultivating artistic diversity and drawing packed audiences

Oct 25, 2024
Their program is a great demonstration of the strength and vibrancy of the amazing Western Australian culture and the arts sector.
A group of school children painting Aboriginal designs on a circular artwork, together with an Aboriginal artist.

Fostering creativity for children through culture and the arts

Oct 25, 2024
Children's Week 2024: A week of fun, learning, and advocacy for children across Western Australia.
Toby King and the Utility Belt book cover illustration and author Sharon Giltrow

New Chapter for WA children’s book author Sharon Giltrow

Oct 24, 2024
Western Australian children’s book author Sharon Giltrow is back with Toby King and the Utility Belt, the second book in her middle-grade series The Utility Belt.
Adults sit in a TAFE classroom watching and listening to a presentation

Music workshops share learnings on Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property

Oct 9, 2024
More than 170 participants took part in free workshops offered to music creators and organisations in Boorloo (Perth) covering the Australian Music Centre’s Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) Policy.
Artist’s impression of the redeveloped Perth Concert Hall.

Redevelopment to allow iconic Perth Concert Hall to shine

Sep 26, 2024
The $150.3 million redevelopment of the much-loved Perth Concert Hall is set to begin in early 2025, to restore the building's architectural legacy, preserve its renowned acoustics and enhance connections to the surrounding forecourts.
A performer on stage in front of a large crowd of children.

Awesome merger to stimulate the imagination of young minds

Sep 25, 2024
Two arts organisations that focus on stimulating the creativity and imagination of Western Australia's youth are merging to increase their impact and expand their reach.
World premiere season of Beneath the Music presented by Encounter, produced by Performing Lines WA. Directed by Jay Emmanuel. Subiaco Arts Centre, May 2023. Photo by Dan Grant.

WA arts organisations share $1.32 million in WA Government grants

Sep 19, 2024
A total of $1.32 million in grants awarded to support 22 innovative arts organisation-led projects across Western Australia.
Sound technician wearing headphones holds up a microphone covered with a windsock. A regional river is in the background.

Funding strengthens rich storytelling culture

Sep 9, 2024
A new round of funding will support the gestation and birth of unique Western Australian Aboriginal stories, while also supporting the groups who tell them.
THEATRE 180 Executive Director Rebecca Davis and Artistic Director Stuart Halusz, with a life-size puppetry horse head

CinePlay production receives funding to tour WA

Aug 9, 2024
A unique stage production combining live theatre and cinematography will be experienced by more audiences across Western Australia thanks to $149,712 from the State Government.
A screen capture of a recording of 'promethe(us)' at The Blue Room Theatre as part of Kickstart, Teaghan Lowry

Next up for regional WA: RACIP funding for emerging creatives

Aug 7, 2024
Emerging regional artists and creative professionals are set to benefit from the latest round of funding delivered through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP).
The cover of one of the winning entries from the Book Builders Challenge — Lucy the Lonely Dog by Phoebe Lim

Funding supports budding creatives at school

Jul 29, 2024
Budding young authors and illustrators from East Victoria Park Primary School and Education Support Centre have been able to create and publish their books thanks to a $37,354 Creativity for Schools program grant.
PALS logo with text: Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing

School grants support sharing of Aboriginal cultures and histories

Jul 18, 2024
Students across the State from Albany to Exmouth and Fitzroy Crossing are benefitting from $796,000 in grants from the Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing (PALS) program.
A scene from the installation TIME • RONE showing a commerical sewing room, with a young woman's portrait on the wall.

World-renowned street-artist’s Perth exhibition

Jun 27, 2024
A must-see attraction this winter — Perth welcomes an immersive art exhibition by globally acclaimed street artist Rone in the latest cultural event supported by the State Government.
Portrait photo of Robert Taylor, board member, Arts and Culture Trust

New appointment for the Arts and Culture Trust Board

May 24, 2024
The Arts and Culture Trust is pleased to welcome a new member to our Board.
A small group of Aboriginal people sit on the ground painting on an unstretched canvas

Funding to support connection to country in WA communities

May 13, 2024
The State Government’s Connecting to Country grant program is continuing to support Western Australia’s Aboriginal people and organisations to transfer knowledge between generations and preserve culture – 20 projects will each receive up to $25,000 this year.
A small group of people are looking at Aboriginal art works on the wall in an art gallery

Emerging talent in spotlight for Revealed 2024 art exhibition

May 6, 2024
When Revealed 2024 opens its doors on 9 May, visitors to the Aboriginal Art Exhibition at Fremantle Arts Centre will have the opportunity to see more than 150 pieces from some of WA’s finest First Nations artists.
Alluvial Gold by Louise Devenish, Erin Coates and Stuart James. Produced by Tura New Music. Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, June 2022. Photo by Edify Media.

Three million dollars in grants for arts and culture projects in WA

May 1, 2024
75 community organisations, groups and individuals across Western Australia will benefit from $3,107,488 in grants to support arts, music, and cultural projects and events in WA via 2 funding streams.
Logo for PALS - Partnership Acceptance Learning Sharing

School funding to advance the journey of Aboriginal reconciliation

Apr 10, 2024
Advancing and promoting Aboriginal reconciliation in the community through WA school and kindergarten projects is the aim of a DLGSC program which is currently offering a total of $799,000 in grants.
Drone view of the Albany Entertainment Centre at dusk

Contract awarded for Albany Entertainment Centre works

Mar 26, 2024
The State Government has awarded the contract for important roof repairs at the iconic Albany Entertainment Centre, with Colab Construction to start work soon.
Actors, Georgia King, Mark Storen in Mama Stitch by Whiskey & Boots, Perth Festival, 2021. Photo by Fionn Mulholland.

More than $1.3 million in grants for regional performing arts

Mar 8, 2024
Eleven regional performing arts organisations will receive more than $1.3 million between them to support touring and reaching audiences in WA’s regions.
2 students using magnifying glasses at the beach with the words, 'Creativity for Schools Program'

School funding for students to foster creative learning skills

Dec 21, 2023
Encouraging creative learning and critical thinking are at the heart of the latest financial support provided by the DLGSC for an extensive range of projects that will improve the skills and talents of Western Australian children and young people.
Arts Minister David Templeman and a woman take a selfie in a crowded room

Supporting a thriving arts and culture sector in WA

Oct 18, 2023
With the aim of ensuring a thriving cultural and creative industry, the State Government is providing organisational funding to Western Australia's peak arts and culture body, the Chamber of Arts and Culture, over the next 2 years.
A hand playing an electric bass

Funding boost for WA’s diverse contemporary music scene

Feb 21, 2023
Three exciting Western Australian music acts will have greater opportunities to shine in 2023, sharing in more than $130,000 State Government funding.
FRINGE WORLD Festival. Photo by Jason Matz.

FRINGE WORLD 2023 launches with feel good vibes

Jan 20, 2023
FRINGE WORLD Festival is back, providing a stage for arts and culture to thrive in Perth, with funding assistance from the State Government.
Ghost Swim by Kelsey Ashe, Fremantle Biennale UnderCurrent19. Film Still Archival Photographic Print. Photography Kelsey Ashe.

Thirteen innovative arts projects share $668,353 funding

Jan 6, 2023
The State Government has delivered funding for 13 new Western Australian arts projects through the Arts 15k-plus program.

New funding program to support Aboriginal arts and culture sector

Nov 15, 2022
A new funding program offering Aboriginal Business Development and Capacity Building Grants has opened to support the Indigenous arts and culture sector in Western Australia.
Mowanjum Festival 2011 at Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre. Photo by Matthew Scurfield.

Grant program supports connection to country, community, culture

Oct 18, 2022
Applications are now open for grants to support Aboriginal people and organisations to undertake activities that foster links between community, country and culture.
A hand inside smoke emanating from a smoking ceremony container burning bush plants.

Arts grant program record broken as $830,000 goes to 17 applicants

Jul 5, 2022
Seventeen Western Australian artists and organisations will share in $830,000 in funding through the latest round of the State Government's Arts 15k-plus grants program.
Close up photo of a microphone in a recording studio

Changes to application deadlines for some culture and the arts grants

May 24, 2022
There are some important dates to remember if you’re planning to apply to some of the department’s culture and the arts grant programs.
State Cultural Treasures Awards 2022

Prestigious WA arts and culture award calls for public nominations

Mar 8, 2022
The State Government is proud to bestow the State Cultural Treasures Awards (formerly State Living Treasures) in 2022.
Two Indian female dancers dressed in traditional costumes dancing on the bank of a river.

Grants programs supporting regional culture and arts

Jul 19, 2021
The State Government will open three culture and arts grants programs on July 27, 2021 as part of the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP), providing a funding boost to regional Western Australia's vibrant culture and arts sector.
A stage setup for live performance.

New program to get the show back on the road

Jun 29, 2021
A new shared risk program to reactivate live performances and touring activity is opening soon, creating more opportunities for employment and venue activation in the arts industry, building on recent announcements about increased capacity limits for arts venues.
His Majesty's Theatre exterior

Arts and Culture Trust Bill reintroduced

Jun 24, 2021
The Arts and Culture Trust Bill has been reintroduced to State Parliament.
FRINGE Central. Photo: Cam Campbell

Live events risk-share program expanded

Jun 22, 2021
The successful Getting the Show back on the Road risk-share program has been expanded.
Interior of an art gallery with displays of art pieces.

Funding available for upgrades to regional galleries

Jun 3, 2021
Public galleries in regional Western Australia can apply for funding from $2500 to $50,000 for minor or major scale upgrades and support through the Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund.

Changes to application deadlines for some culture and the arts grants

May 25, 2021
There are some important dates to remember if you’re planning to apply to some of the department’s culture and the arts grant programs.
The Alternative Archive exhibition

The Alternative Archive gives unique insight into local voices

May 14, 2021
Diverse artistic voices from across the State are being celebrated with the opening of The Alternative Archive survey exhibition in Perth.
Oil painting

Limitations during State of Emergency

Apr 29, 2021
Although we are fortunate to be in a period of recovery, we take this opportunity to remind everyone that WA remains in a State of Emergency.

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor – March 2021 results out now

Apr 16, 2021
After months of low COVID-19 cases, Western Australians are confident returning to arts and cultural events – and many are making firm plans to do so.
His Majesty's Theatre exterior

Historic balconies at His Majesty’s Theatre to be restored

Apr 14, 2021
Visitors to His Majesty's Theatre will soon be able to walk along the balconies and verandahs as part of further upgrades at the historic performing arts venue.
The Cultural Infrastructure Map displayed on a laptop computer screen.

Explore WA’s cultural and creative spaces with the WA Cultural Infrastructure Map

Mar 25, 2021
The WA Cultural Infrastructure Map identifies existing cultural and creative spaces across the State.
Close up photo of a microphone in a recording studio

Grants continue recovery of WA’s arts and culture sector

Mar 23, 2021
WA’s vibrant arts and culture sector continues to receive support from the State Government, with 17 projects representing a variety of disciplines sharing in more than $709,000 from two grants programs.
Oil painting

Regional festivals receive funding boost

Jan 28, 2021
A writers' festival in Geraldton, community sculpture in Esperance, and a series of astro-photography activities in Mount Magnet are some of the vibrant initiatives receiving funding from the latest round of the Regional and Remote Festivals Fund.
Inside the Bronze Box, State Theatre Centre of WA. Photo by Eva Fernandez.

WA-first Cultural Infrastructure Framework released

Dec 17, 2020
The State Government has released the first ever Cultural Infrastructure Framework for WA, outlining a roadmap for holistic cultural infrastructure planning and investment in the State until 2030 and beyond.
FRINGE WORLD Festival. Photo by Jason Matz.

Get ready to binge on FRINGE, as tickets go on sale today

Nov 12, 2020
It is almost that time of year, FRINGE WORLD 2021 is coming and is set to be a bonanza of Western Australian creative and artistic talent.
State Theatre Centre of WA - Photo by Robert Frith-Acorn Photo

Funding to reignite WA theatre activity

Nov 5, 2020
Perth will be buzzing with new local theatre next year thanks to funding for three upcoming productions through the Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative (WATDI).
Albany Town Hall. Photon-Photos iStock Getty Images Plus

Funding provides opportunities to Great Southern theatre artists

Nov 5, 2020
A satirical musical theatre piece will be presented at the recently renovated Albany Town Hall, thanks to funding from the State Government's Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative (WATDI).
Theatre audience

Updates to the COVID Event Plans process for high risk events

Nov 2, 2020
Event organisers and local governments should be aware of the following important information regarding submission of high risk COVID Event Plans to the Department of Health, including mandatory cut-off dates for those events occurring in December and January.
East Pilbara Arts Centre. Photo courtesy of the Shire of East Pilbara.

Landmark project to map Pilbara’s Aboriginal art movement

Oct 8, 2020
A new landmark project will map the Pilbara Aboriginal art movement for the first time, providing insight into the development of the region's unique Aboriginal art, artists and art centres.
Oil painting

DLGSC and Lotterywest Creative Communities COVID-19 Recovery Program – coming soon

Aug 6, 2020
The arts play a significant role in supporting communities to tackle disruption and re-establish local connection, strength and resilience beyond the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perth Concert Hall during Storm. Image credit Brad Martin.

Massive $76 million recovery package to support culture and arts in WA

Aug 6, 2020
Western Australia's iconic Perth Concert Hall is set to receive a $30 million upgrade and investment over the next three years as part of the State Government's WA Recovery Plan.
Colourful paint buckets

COVID-19 Creative Industries Impact Survey – available now

Aug 4, 2020
The department is conducting a targeted survey to assess COVID-19 impacts on employment and revenue in the creative industries in Western Australia.
Red dirt road in Western Australia

$1 million program to rekindle regional arts

Jul 1, 2020
A new $1 million grant program will provide vital funding to support ongoing creative and cultural activity in Western Australia's regions.
Outdoor movie set on the beach

Continued investment into regional film production

Jun 16, 2020
Screen production in Western Australia's spectacular regions has received a $16 million investment over the next four years through the State Government.
Photo of a stack of website servers

Culture and the arts online grant system upgrades

Jun 11, 2020
The DLGSC culture and the arts online grant system will undergo system maintenance and upgrades later this month. If you’re planning to apply for a grant, there are some important dates to remember.
View of the Albany Entertainment Centre exterior at dawn. Photo by Alison Paine.

The lights go up at Albany Entertainment Centre

Jun 10, 2020
The Albany Entertainment Centre (AEC) will reopen to audiences on June 18 with the first of the Harbourside Concert Series, known locally as Harbourside.
An old model of a Radiola transistor radio

New platform promoting treasures from across WA goes live

Jun 10, 2020
Collections WA is live.
Aerial view of the Western Australian Museum from James Street.

New jobs on offer at the New Museum

Jun 3, 2020
The New Museum for Western Australia is on track to open in the Perth Cultural Centre in November 2020, and there are up to 30 new permanent positions advertised for frontline Visitor Services staff, plus a pool of casual staff.
Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt and AGWA Foundation Chair, Warwick Hemsley in the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Support for WA artists through $1.5 million COVID support program

May 25, 2020
The State Government has approved a $1.5 million support package, developed by the Art Gallery of Western Australia's Board and the Art Gallery's Foundation, to help Western Australian artists during the COVID-19 emergency.
Live audience

COVID-19 Audience Outlook Monitor

May 19, 2020
Six government agencies are collaborating with researchers to track how Australian audiences feel about attending arts and culture events in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Library of Western Australia building exterior

State Library reopens - Welcome home

May 18, 2020
The State Library of Western Australia has today (May 18) reopened its doors to the public after being closed for 56 days.
Man sitting in a library

COVID-19 Easing of restrictions – Further information for Public Libraries

May 15, 2020

LG Alert

The State Government has announced the easing of restrictions (phase 2) commencing Monday, 18 May 2020.
Library shelves

Local government sector urged to take leadership role

May 12, 2020

LG Alert

The local government sector has a key role to play in the Phase 2 easing of restrictions and in helping communities get back on their feet and the economy back on track.
Abstract painting

Update on DLGSC culture and the arts grants due to COVID-19

May 5, 2020
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries is working on a range of options to assist arts and cultural organisations and independent artists dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
Albany Artist and Creative Grid Mentee Chelsea Hopkins-Allan painting a larger than life Helena Gum Moth.

Funding to continue support for regional arts community

Apr 9, 2020
The State Government will invest $2.1 million over the next three years to ensure the continuity of grant funding for regional organisations and individuals delivering arts and cultural activities in their communities.
GettyImages-1213520959_1405x791

$159m COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide crisis support

Mar 30, 2020
Premier Mark McGowan and Lotterywest have today established a $159 million COVID-19 relief fund to provide support to organisations that are helping people experiencing hardship.
His Majesty's Theatre

New body to oversee WA's cultural assets

Mar 12, 2020
The State Government has introduced legislation to Parliament to establish a new body to oversee Western Australia's theatre venues and other cultural assets.

Arts, culture and heritage strategy for the Great Southern

Feb 24, 2020
Government organisations and community will collaborate to develop an arts, culture and heritage strategy for the Great Southern region, thanks to a $50,000 investment from the Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program (RACIP).
Abstract art image

Changes to draft reviews for culture and the arts 15k-plus grant programs

Jan 22, 2020
The department has changed the way applications are reviewed for Arts 15k-plus and the 15k-plus category of the Contemporary Music Fund Grant Program.
Page reviewed 23 August 2023
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