Western Australian arts organisations share $1.32 million in funding

The Western Australian Government has awarded $1.32 million to 22 projects via round three of the Arts Projects for Organisations grant program 2023-2024.

The Arts Projects for Organisations grant program 2023-2024 supports the development and growth of the vibrant art sector, boosting the participation and engagement of Western Australian communities in exceptional arts and cultural experiences.

Successful projects involved in creative development, Aboriginal arts, and arts and creative business development.

The program highlights the WA Government's commitment to supporting the arts and culture sector, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from rich and diverse cultural experiences.

Each financial year, the program runs three rounds offering up to $80,000 per project, which includes four categories:

• creative development;

• arts and creative business development;

• Aboriginal arts; and

• annual program of activity.

A total of 64 applications were received and after going through a thorough assessment process by a panel of experts, 22 projects were recommended for support.

Eight projects in the annual program of activity category received a total funding of $591,571, and 14 projects spread across the Aboriginal arts, creative development, and arts and creative business development categories received a combined allocation of $809,319.

WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman noted "by funding such a diverse range of projects we are not only supporting artistic talent but also making sure that outstanding cultural experiences are accessible to all.

"We believe these projects will inspire other organisations to pursue their creative initiatives. By showing what's possible we aim to encourage a wider range of artistic projects developed by organisations.

"This grant program is crucial for organisations revitalising Western Australia's artistic sector. This funding empowers these organisations to drive creativity and innovation."

Projects funded include:

• Historically Informed Performance Company Ltd - 'Elisabeth' - a new music and dance work ($14,126);

• Derby Media Aboriginal Corporation - Larrkardi Sounds recording project ($58,205);

• Art Collective WA - 'Hope' and 'Parallel Stills': New exhibitions for Melbourne and Sydney art fairs ($40,875);

• Encounter Theatre Inc - 2024-25 annual program of activity ($78,640);

• Southern Edge Arts Inc - Annual Program 2024-25 ($79,850);

• International Art Space Pty Ltd - SPACED Annual Program ($79,992);

• Downsyde Pty Ltd - 'Stereotypez' album release and national tour ($61,938);

• Breaksea Inc - Phase two development of 'Aliwah Bardinar' ($80,000);

• Tone List Inc - Audible Edge Festival of Exploratory Music 2025 ($80,000);

• Edith Cowan University - 'Run-down' short fiction regional residential retreat and    publication - auspiced for Donna Mazza ($76,077);

• Same Drum Pty Ltd - 2025 program of activities ($79,994);

• Writing WA Inc - Changing the Conversation: Stories in all Spaces ($80,000);

• The Australian Short Story Festival Incorporated - The Australian Short Story Festival ($35,848);

• Australian Baroque Ltd - 'The Six Noongar Seasons', music composed by Aaron Wyatt with poetry by Gina Williams ($79,975);

• Lost and Found Opera Inc - First stage creative development of 'Under Milk Wood' by Dylan Thomas ($38,337);

• Performing Arts Alumni Society Pty Ltd - 'Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence' ($75,453);

• Wheatbelt Arts & Events Inc - Annual program of Ballardong Noongar cultural activities ($79,900);

• Upswell Publishing Pty Ltd - Annual program of publications, publicity and public events ($67,495);

• Big hART Inc - Songs for Freedom: Next Generation ($75,460);

• Sarabande Early Music Ensemble - Summer Early Music Workshops ($13,060);

• City of Gosnells - 2025 performance series and programming ($45,604); and

• Mama Kin Spender Pty Ltd - Creative development of 'Promises & Wild Beasts' theatre show ($79,965).

Image. Credit: Wheatbelt Arts & Events