Western Australian regional arts enriched by funding boost

Western Australian regional arts enriched by funding boost

The Western Australian Government has announced the recipients of funding in the latest round of the Regional Arts Sector Investment Program (RASI).

RASI invests in regionally-based arts organisations that create and present arts activities in regional communities. It provides operational funding that supports organisational sustainability, which in turn supports the regional arts sector and contributes to the cultural and economic diversity of regional Western Australia.

A 23% increase in funding this round has allowed for a greater number of recipients. Two of the groups funded are First Nations organisations. This round's new recipients are Nannup Music Club, Arts Margaret River, Kimberley Arts Network, Mara Arts Aboriginal Corporation, Gardiner Street Arts Collective and Wheatbelt Arts & Events.

Organisations funded deliver activities such as arts and music festivals, small arts events, community cultural development programs, art programs and enrichment, and support for visual artists.

Delivered by Regional Arts WA, the RASI is a competitive grants program delivered as part of the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.

WA Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman noted "Not only is it important to have a vibrant arts scene, but it's also important to have a diverse one – one where many voices can express themselves in many different ways.

"The arts play a central role for many people in regional towns. It's not only an outlet for creativity but a way to connect, create and strengthen community. 

"I'm pleased to see in this round the addition of six new recipients, such as the Nannup Music Club - which puts on the much-loved Nannup Music Festival - and the Gardiner Street Arts Collective based in Moora."

In the latest round, 17 organisations have been funded for the next three financial years to 2026-27. The recipients sharing in $680,000 annually for three years are:

• Arts Margaret River – $50,000 per annum

• Arts Narrogin – $40,000 per annum

• ArtSouth WA (Albany) – $15,000 per annum

• Creality (Carnarvon) – $35,000 per annum

• Denmark Arts Council – $25,000 per annum

• Esperance Community Arts – $25,000 per annum

• Gardiner Street Arts Collective (Moora) – $25,000 per annum

• Kimberley Arts Network (Broome) – $50,000 per annum

• Mara Arts Aboriginal Corporation (Yamaji Art, Geraldton) – $35,000 per annum

• Nannup Music Club – $65,000 per annum

• Rave About Arts (Ravensthorpe) – $50,000 per annum

• Southern Edge Arts (Albany) – $35,000 per annum

• Southern Forest Arts (Northcliffe) – $65,000 per annum

• The Cannery Arts Centre (Esperance) – $50,000 per annum

• The Junction Co.(Port Hedland) – $25,000 per annum

• Wheatbelt Arts & Events (York) – $25,000 per annum

• Wilurarra Creative (Warburton) – $65,000 per annum

Image. Kimberley Arts Network