Regional Arts Network
Regional Arts WA believes the regional arts sector will be stronger – more connected, creative and capable – when networks are established, people know each other, and they have the opportunity to work together.
The Regional Arts Network is a new model for regional arts development, created through the interconnected and complementary Hubs and Local Leadership programs.
Why do we need a Regional Arts Network?
The Western Australian regional arts sector consistently tells Regional Arts WA of their need to be more connected to each other, share more knowledge and build the capacity of local leaders.
The Regional Arts Network aims to meet the identified needs and achieve the following goals:
- A minimum of two self-sustaining Hubs in each of the nine regional divisions of WA
- Sufficiently skilled and confident regional people to deliver high quality local, inter and intra-regional projects
- A more sustainable and coordinated approach to regional arts activity in Western Australia
Currently, the Regional Arts Networks comprises of two components, the Hubs and the Local Leadership Program.
Hubs
Looking to change the way the regional arts sector talk to each other, Regional Arts WA has partnered with five diverse organisations to become a network of Hubs across the State.
The Hubs themselves will respond directly to their local arts community; provide on-ground support for their needs; increase local decision making; strengthen relationships with local governments; and seek development opportunities for artists and arts workers within their community.
This is a holistic approach to increasing diversity and supporting access to arts across our expansive state. It will build a sustainable and thriving ecosystem of connected creative communities.
Regional Arts WA is partnering with five organisations:
Artgold (Goldfields-Esperance)
Artgold, formally Arts & Culture Goldfields Association, exists to serve and promote arts organisations, upcoming events and individual artists working in the Goldfields. The association aims to raise the profile of all art forms by actively promoting and supporting arts activities in the wider community.
Creative Corner (South West)
The Creative Corner is the peak body for the creative sector in the South West region of WA, connecting people, businesses, services and events with each other and with creative opportunities within and outside the region.
The Junction Co. (Pilbara)
The Junction Co. was founded in 2018, by ten Pilbara-based small business owners who wanted to sell their artisan wares via a new pop-up retail platform, while also providing a workshop program to share their handmade skills with the community. Since its inception, The Junction Co. have evolved and have established as an arts not-for-profit organisation, with a clear vision to engage, grow and empower regional creative industries. The Junction Co.’s mission is to advocate and connect regional creatives with workspace, learning opportunities and networks, to uplift their endeavors and create an environment which both local community and creatives can support each other. To achieve their mission their strategic priorities focus on connecting communities, enhancing artistic excellence and developing creativity.
North Midlands Project (Mid West)
North Midlands Project is a not-for-profit organisation working to strengthen regional communities through high-quality and engaging arts, culture and heritage experiences. The organisation is based in both Carnamah and Geraldton and delivers arts-based activities across the six regional shires of the North Midlands (Carnamah, Coorow, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs) and across the City of Greater Geraldton.
Raventshorpe Regional Arts Council (Goldfields-Esperance)
Situated in the remote rural Shire of Ravensthorpe, the Ravensthorpe Regional Arts Council (RRAC) is a volunteer based incorporated organisation that provides a diverse and adventurous arts program of events throughout and beyond the region. Through artistic activity RRAC builds community cohesion, identity and inclusiveness.
Local Leadership Program
To support the Hubs, the Local Leadership program is delivered alongside to facilitate a culture of self-led leadership, collaborative leadership and community led contribution. The Local Leadership Program was piloted through early 2019 in Broome and Margaret River.
For more information, please contact the Regional Arts WA office on regional freecall 1800 811 883, or 08 9200 6200.
The Regional Arts Network is proudly supported by the Minderoo Foundation and The Ian Potter Foundation, and with funding from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund.
