Arts funding boost builds workforce and encourages cultural tourism for Western Australia

Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM) and Arts Narrogin are the latest recipients of targeted initiative support through the Western Australian Government’s 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.

WA Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk notes "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."

Mandurah MLA Rhys Williams added "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."

Image. Bindjareb Sisters Dreaming | Strength, Hope and Freedom.Credit Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM)