Vivienne Garrett: A Lifelong Performer Making Waves in Margaret River

Natalie de Rozario

We recently had the opportunity to have a chat with RAWA Artist of the Month, Vivienne Garrett’s about her extraordinary career and dedication to nurturing regional arts.

From City Lights to Coastal Living: Embracing Life in Regional WA

Vivienne Garrett’s journey from the bustling cities of Sydney and Melbourne to the serene shores of Margaret River is a testament to her adaptability and enduring passion for the arts. Relocating to regional WA in 2017 was more than a lifestyle change; it was a conscious decision to contribute to and grow alongside the local arts scene. For Vivienne, regional living comes with a unique set of challenges and rewards.

Pros and Cons of Regional Living:
One of the main benefits Vivienne has found in regional WA is the strong sense of community. Unlike the often-impersonal atmosphere of larger cities, regional towns like Margaret River offer a more connected environment, which can be supportive both personally and professionally. The coastal setting also provides a refreshing backdrop that can inspire creativity. However, living and working in regional areas comes with its challenges. The arts industry in these areas often faces high turnover, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have made it difficult to maintain a stable environment. Resilience is key for artists in these settings.

Supporting Regional Artists: Needs and Connectivity

For regional artists, having the right infrastructure and support systems in place is crucial. Vivienne highlights the importance of regional workshops and local screen tests, which can help artists develop their skills and stay connected to the broader arts community.

Staying Connected
Maintaining ties with the wider arts community across Australia and internationally is essential for regional artists. Vivienne has managed to stay connected through her extensive network, but she believes that more formal support systems are needed to ensure that regional artists aren’t left out of the larger conversation.

Career Challenges and Highlights

Vivienne’s career spans a wide range of roles in both theatre and television, from her award-winning performances in plays like Dead Funny to her appearances in well-known Australian TV shows like Number 96. More recently, she featured in Nicolas Cage’s movie The Surfer, set in Dunsborough. Her diverse career has shaped her approach to acting and directing.

Working in the arts isn’t without its difficulties however. In the 1970-90s there was significantly more investment and awareness of Australian stories through film and theatre, with many touring productions and theatres emerging across the country. In recent years, Vivienne has noted a decline in arts venues and audiences, partly due to Australia’s fascination with sport and real estate, as well as the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite these challenges and the ongoing lack of support for the arts, she has remained committed to her work, focusing on resilience and discipline to overcome obstacles. Vivienne emphasised that art should be accessible to everyone, and thus, there is a need for increased investment from both private investors and government . As Peter Brooke said, ‘Art is not a way of life – it is a way to life.’

Teaching, Mentoring, and Practical Insights

Vivienne’s experience teaching at institutions like the WA Academy of Performing Arts and ECU has influenced her approach to her own work. She believes that effective teaching involves not just sharing knowledge but also collaborating with students. For aspiring actors and directors in regional areas, her advice is to stay focused on the opportunities available and to remain true to their own vision.

Personal Journey
Vivienne’s personal experiences, including travels through India and Southeast Asia, have played a significant role in her approach to the arts. She sees art as a method for better understanding the human condition and gaining a clearer perspective on life.

Looking Forward

Vivienne is more focused on the current moment and the fulfilling process that comes with making art, than on leaving behind a specific legacy. She’s interested in helping others develop their own abilities and passing on what she has learned.

Looking ahead, Vivienne is doing just that. She is currently facilitating community workshops and contributing to the unique Saltwater-produced show Busstop, which will be the debut performance at Busselton’s new Saltwater Performing Arts Centre in 2025. The key creatives in Busstop include Kelton Pell, Phil Thomson, Mark Howett, Lynette Narkle, and RAWA’s First Nations Officer, Janine Oxenham.

These kinds of projects not only enrich the cultural life of regional WA but also provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their work. The Busstop project also reflects Vivienne’s ongoing commitment to bringing quality arts to regional communities. We look forward to seeing this fantastic project come to life.