Kaya from the CEO – Dr Pilar Kasat’s March Update
Natalie de Rozario
I’ve spent the last few weeks rattling around regional WA in a series of rental cars, each with their own peculiar quirks and dashboard warning lights. From Nannup to Margaret River to Esperance, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with artists and arts workers who remind me why this job matters. These connections and conversations – over cups of coffee in community halls, arts studios, theatres, and just under the shade of an old tree – remind me of the incredible creative spirit that flows through our regional communities.
New Arts Minister
Regional Arts WA warmly welcome The Hon Simone McGurk as the new Minister for Creative Industries. As regional arts advocates, we’re excited to work with Minister McGurk to strengthen creative opportunities across regional WA.
We look forward to collaborating with the WA Government on key priorities including sustainable funding for regional arts, building local creative capacity, improving regional arts infrastructure, and ensuring arts remain accessible to all Western Australians.
Premier Roger Cook has also appointed state ministers for each of WA’s regions. Eight cabinet members will take on region-specific portfolios, along with a Minister for Regional Development. These new appointments should lead to greater awareness and deeper understanding of local issues and diversity across Cabinet, ensuring regional voices are better represented at the highest levels of government.
Regional Roundup
March kicked off with the Nannup Music Festival. Built on decades of locals welcoming musicians from across WA with open arms, the event radiates positive energy and community spirit.
We were proud to support First Nations artists Kyle Bartlett (Karratha) and Jacob Gregory (Lyrical Instinct, Broome) to perform with Downsyde as part of a recent RAF Project Grant. The opportunity created visibility for north west regional artists to connect with metropolitan and south west audiences.
On March 7th, we collaborated with Arts Margaret River to host an important conversation on Art, Culture & Climate at the Margaret River HEART. The gathering on Wadandi Boodja brought together remarkable minds including artist Sky River, Katharina Meister, Jacque Ashworth, Drew McKenzie from Nature Conservation, and Wadandi Elder Dr Wayne Webb. The event was facilitated by WA Climate Leaders’ Meri Fatin, highlighting our commitment to weave climate action into the fabric of regional arts and culture.
I managed to return to Margaret River for the Marri Tree Girl production on March 15th, and I’m still thinking about it. Four years in the making, and Sky River’s dedication to the show resulted in something truly special. Sky’s masterful command across every element of the production – from scripting to puppet-making to producing – was nothing short of breathtaking, and a glimpse into what happens when one artist pours their whole creative soul into a single vision. It’s no surprise Sky received a standing ovation from the packed theatre.
We are proud to have directly contributed towards this project throughout pre-production, helping bring Sky’s creative vision to life. If you’d like to learn more about her journey and the production Marri Tree Girl, you’ll find her featured as our Artist of the Month in the news section.
Call for Nominations
We’re looking for passionate people to help shape the future of regional arts in WA in two exciting ways:
- Join our Board of Directors: Help guide our strategic direction and make key decisions that impact regional arts across WA. Become a Member
- Join our Assessor Pool: Put your arts expertise to work by helping review grant applications that bring creative projects to life in regional WA. Applications close March 31st. Apply Now
Internal Updates
In staffing news, we bid farewell to two valued team members: Gemma Robins, who dedicated 15 years in a variety of different roles, most recently coordinating our Regional Arts Network, and Emmaline James, who assisted us in delivering the Midwest Creative Ecology Summit. We’re delighted to welcome Valerie Scoponi as our new Network Coordinator, and Sophie Mathewson as our Communications and Content Lead. Bios will be available soon on our new website (currently under construction).
Until next time, stay creative and connected,
Pilar
