Mid West Creative Ecology Summit 2025

Donna Ronan

Donna is a Wilunyu Nhanagardi Wajarri woman, with a deep connection to Country. On her father’s side, her ties are to the Geraldton area, while on her mother’s side, they are to Byro and Wooleen Country, northeast of Mullewa. Her ancestral and cultural knowledge has been passed down by Elders of the Amangu Group, who have entrusted her with delivering the Welcome to Country in the local Wilunyu language. This language is at risk of being lost, making its preservation and transmission to future generations crucial.

Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green

Creative Ecology Activation: A Midwest Transformative Yamaji Narrative

The creative ecology movement is emerging across the Mid West, manifesting in various forms through local creative communities, including the Yamaji creative community, where culture plays a powerful role as a tool for transformative change.  In this Keynote Dr Papertalk Green speaks to the activation of creative ecology through Yamaji arts and creative movement providing benefits to the Midwest. 

Dr Vahri McKenzie and Dr Christine Scoggin 

Creative ecologies: making more with a metaphor  

The ‘cultural ecosystem’ is a metaphor we use to refer to the complexity, dynamism and interdependence of our sector, but how effectively do we use the metaphorical potential of this concept? Drawing on regional arts practice, this presentation sketches some ways in which we might benefit further from cultural ecological approaches. 

Roni Kerley 

Ancient Skies linking us to modern times 

Showcasing a series of successful creative projects, join Yamaji Art in recognising the importance of cultural connection, preservation and the how transformative power of creative expression fosters connections between artists, their cultural roots, while simultaneously inviting the audience to explore and appreciate the stories and vibrancy of Yamaji Culture. 

Lucia Richardson
Aboriginal Acrobat – Lifting the Bar 

Lucia will share her experiences navigating the challenges faced by circus artists, including cultural, resource, and geographical barriers. She’ll discuss how her progress has been limited by a lack of specialised trainers and regional isolation, with her skills plateauing as a result. Despite relying on sponsorships and traveling across Australia for elite training, she faces a significant decline in fitness and skills when she returns home. Lucia will also highlight the need to recognise circus arts not just as an art form, but as a discipline that requires athleticism. 

Mauretta Drage, Colleen Drage & Marina Baker 

Small Art Centre, Big Country: the successes and challenges of a small Aboriginal art centre in WA’s Mid West 

In presenting a paper at the IOTA24 international conference, we reflected on the successes achieved by the Ku’arlu Mangga Aboriginal Art Centre, which also highlighted our challenges. The Summit presentation discusses these highs and lows, likely shared by regional artists in the Aboriginal art centre network and undoubtedly by artists and arts managers across the sector in the Mid West, with our aim to share, network and imagine new strategies going forward. 

Helen Ansell  

Wildflowers and Wild Landscapes: An Artist’s Life in Regional Western Australia 

Join renowned Western Australian artist Helen Ansell as she shares her artist’s journey from growing up in the remote Aboriginal community of Ululla to establishing herself as an internationally recognised painter in the heart of WA’s wildflower country. Helen will explore the profound influence of the vibrant desert landscapes and native flora on her art, as well as the challenges and rewards of pursuing a creative career in regional Australia. This talk offers a unique insight into how the beauty of the outback fuels her passion and connects her work to audiences worldwide. 

Emmaline James 

Geraldton Open Studios & Surrounds: A Catalyst for Arts & Cultural Tourism in the Mid West 

Emmaline will provide an insightful overview of GOSS, discussing its origins, objectives, and the remarkable outcomes achieved in its first two years. She will share how GOSS has empowered Mid West artists by increasing their visibility, fostering economic opportunities, and building meaningful connections with audiences, while also contributing to the region’s burgeoning arts and cultural tourism industry. 

James Thompson  

Why Geraldton and the Mid West a great place to live and be creative! 

James Thompson is a Geraldton based arts worker whose car broke down here in 1997. After a short time, James saw opportunities and got involved with several community groups such as Industry Inland, Give Me Geraldton Anyday, and the Arts and Cultural Development Council of Geraldton (ACDC).  

James will share his experiences working with the community, reflecting on why we choose to live and create in the Mid West. He will also delve into the history of Geraldton, highlighting how the city has evolved since the 1990s.

Jane King 

Our Museums, Galleries and Collections: Story Keepers, Storytellers and Story Inspirers 

Cultural Collections, Museums and Galleries are an important part of the ecology of our arts and culture sector. Using examples from throughout the Midwest, this presentation will demonstrate how we are the Story Keepers, the Story Tellers and the Story Inspirers. What are the opportunities to work more closely with other arts and cultural organisations in our collective journey?  

Erin O’Connor 

Auger Green Collective: Emergence and Evolution 

Erin will present a case study of the experience of the Auger Green Collective, and the power of collaboration, accompaniment, mutual assistance and mentorship to the health, wellbeing and creative maturity of its members.  She will speak to the power of the arts to generate knowledge through exploration and reflection, and bring joy and vibrancy to lives of individuals and community. 

Marianne Penbethy  

When Art and Life Collide: A Journey Through Creative Practice 

Marianne will explore the transformative power of creativity in navigating life’s most challenging moments. Drawing from personal experiences of building resilience through adversity. She will share how her art practice became a form of medicine—a tool for self-discovery, healing, and navigating difficult life passages. 

Marianne will discuss the vital roles of connection and community in fostering growth and renewal, emphasising the importance of learning and unlearning as continuous processes in both art and life. 

Panel. How can the arts help address our biggest challenges?

We are living in a complex world impacted by climate change, declining social cohesion and poorer mental health and wellbeing. What is the role of the arts and how best do we respond to these big challenges?  

In conversation with local leaders connecting the arts across sectors and disciplines, moderated by Dr Pilar Kasat (CEO, Regional Arts WA). 

Euphorium    

The Bigger Picture Workshop

End your day on a high with this interactive networking session that brings 150 creative minds together to align, connect, and collaborate. With a quick-fire presentation and engaging activities aimed at mapping the trajectory of creativity in the Midwest, this workshop will leave you inspired, energised, and ready to see the ecosystem in a whole new light.

Regional Sounds   

Networking evening

Meet us at Regional Sounds to watch the sun set, enjoy some refreshments, local live music and end the day with friends.