Presented by Regional Arts WA, the Creative Ecology Summit in the Mid West was a day-long gathering for the region’s creative and cultural sectors and allied industry professionals. The event was held in Geraldton on Thursday, 6 February, 8:45am-7:30pm, with 116 people in attendance at the Queens Park Theatre.

It showcased a broad spectrum of the sector in the region, and people travelled from communities such as Meekatharra, Mullewa, Kalbarri, Northampton, Dongara, Mingenew, Carnamah, Geraldton, and Perth.

The program explored the Mid West’s unique creative ecology – the relationships, values and processes that sustain creativity, innovation and cultural expression. It included a diverse group of local and Perth-based artists, cultural leaders and academics and a Keynote by Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green.

Attendees had a day to share, listen and reflect on the region’s creative journey and identify ways to shape its collective creative future. There were conversations, presentations, panel discussions and workshops by creative leaders from the Mid West and beyond the region, followed by a networking sundowner at Regional Sounds, with live music and refreshments.

A collaborative approach was taken in the planning and delivery of the Summit. It was led by Regional Arts WA in collaboration with local organisations, businesses and leaders. An advisory committee was established early in the process that informed the programming and selection of presenters through an open Expressions of Interest process.

Download the Program

Regional Arts WA is committed to fostering cross-sector collaboration and strengthening regional connections. This event was delivered as a direct action under the Thrive! Regional Arts, Cultural & Creativity Framework 2025–2029, through Initiative 3.3: Amplify regional voices and highlight the contribution of the regional arts and culture sector to regional development.

The Mid West Creative Ecology Summit was presented by Regional Arts WA, in  with the Mid West  Commission, with support from the City of Greater Geraldton, and Minderoo Foundation through the Regional Arts Network, and core funding to RAWA from the State Government through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest.