Kaya,

Djilba is in full bloom, and it feels fitting that this has coincided with so many of us finishing our applications for the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport’s (CITS) multi-year funding. Well done to everyone across the sector who submitted! A mention to all artists completing grant applications tirelessly on your own; it’s never a small undertaking, and we know how much work (and love!) goes into it.

Our webinar on Understanding Changes to the Associations Incorporation Act had such a great response, with over 70 registrations. One of our favourite points from Penny Knight’s slides was “good governance gives art the freedom to thrive.” You can register now for our upcoming information session on regional arts funding on 1st September (tomorrow), with the CITS regional grants team on hand to answer your questions. Let us know if there are other topics you’d like to see covered in the future.

This month also brought a warm welcome for our new Board Member and Treasurer, Paul Johnson, who joins us with almost 40 years’ experience as a finance professional, including in his current role at the University of Western Australia. We look forward to working with you, Paul! We’d also like to thank our outgoing Treasurer, David Wall, whose steady hand and sound judgement have been a real asset to RAWA over the years.

A shout-out to the WAM team for WA Music Week this year. I was so impressed with the music at their Regional Showcase (proving yet again that our regions are rife with talent!), while our Investment Coordinator, Carla Steele, was in high demand at WAMCon. We look forward to next year.

Also, this month, I had the pleasure of chatting live on air with Matty Francis for ABC Radio about the work we’re doing, with a regular monthly segment ongoing. Stay tuned!

September is shaping up to be a busy month; we’ll be at the AACHWA Forum on Miriwoong Country/Kununurra, with both Carla and our First Nations Officer, Janine Oxenham, presenting on the second day. Plus, we’re looking forward to the Regional Arts Triennial, too.

As always, let us know if you have any news to share.

With warm regards,

Dr Pilar Kasat