Regional Arts WA
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Dear Friends of Regional Arts WA,
As I write this, I’ve just returned from Wooditchup Bilya Margaret River and am still buzzing with creative endorphins from events happening across the South West.
The Margaret River Region Open Studios is in full swing with more than 150 artists flinging open their studio doors. Our Board Chair, Josephine Johnson, and I visited the remarkable galleries of Leon Pericles, Lauren Wilhelm, Laura Buchanan, Jacob Lyon, Kay Gibson, Victoria Gajardo, Martine Perret, Jolene Hewison, Sarana Haeata, Keri Luff, Fi Wilkie, Francois and Nicholas Payet, Dariya Gratte, Jo Broadhurst, Ellen Broadhurst and Helen Priest. The studio visits turned into lingering conversations about regional art-making, and of course we both surrendered to these moments willingly.
We were swept up in the vibrant energy of the Emergence Creative ‘Collision’ festival, a true fusion of creativity, ideas, and the art of pitching. Photographers shared lenses with musicians, young people introduced Elders to digital trends, and everyone spilled into the streets for an inclusive, opening night that embodied the spirit of creative collision.
Meanwhile, in the Goldfields, our Social Fabric project is doing the necessary work of unpicking and restitching community narratives. RAWA’s Project Officer, Natalie de Rozario has been sitting in truth-telling circles on the traditional lands of Wongatha Country in Karlkurla Kalgoorlie, where hard stories were met with unflinching solidarity.
You can read the latest ‘RAWA on the Road’ for more on Nat’s trip.
Funding Opportunities
For emerging regional theatre makers aged 18-26, please note that applications for the Young Performance Artist Fellowship closes on September 30th. The Blue Room may extend this deadline as are still seeking EOIs so don’t be shy! This exceptional opportunity includes a week-long professional development residency with all costs covered.
Another one to act on is Festivals Australia funding. Applications close on October 7th for projects starting from February 2026 and I encourage all regional artists and organisations to consider how this might support your festival plans.
New Initiatives
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our Regional Arts WA Ambassador Program. This initiative addresses a persistent challenge around the under-documentation of regional arts events and artists, whose stories often remain confined within their local communities.
To overcome this issue, we’re calling on passionate photographers and videographers who can capture the authentic vibrancy of our regional arts scene while building their own professional portfolios.
We’ll be kicking off the Ambassador Program this weekend, with the talented Lincoln Mackinnon travelling to York Festival to capture all the action through video and stills.
To express interest in being a Regional Arts WA Ambassador download the .pdf below and read the program details.
This initiative is proudly supported by the WA Government.
Celebrating Our Next Gen Arts Grant Recipients
I’m delighted to highlight five remarkable youth-focused projects transforming communities across regional WA through creativity and connection:
In Broome, Shannon Barraclough’s textile workshops will empower at-risk youth through artistic expression that connects deeply with Country.
The Kellerberrin CRC will create a contemporary creative space for teens during school holidays, led by artist Sheree Lowe, which will focus on building confidence and community through accessible art.
In the South West, Ian Hill was successful in receiving funding for Radio Margaret River to work with local students to produce 100 audio broadcasts, equipping the next generation with media skills.
Lisa Clark is supporting 16-year-old Kira Clark to create professional theatre opportunities for children and provide mentored, paid training for teens in production roles.
And the Shire of Lake Grace will have artist Kerrie Argent address both cultural and environmental needs through workshops that transform waste materials into public art installations.
A big congrats to all funding recipients.
Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, I’m excited to hear about outcomes of the Biosphere Boodja Arts & Wild Things Festival in Goomalling this weekend. The volunteer-driven celebration will feature extraordinary giant puppets created by local school children under the guidance of artists-in-residence. You can buy tickets here.
York Festival is also kicking off tomorrow (September 26th) and running through to October 5th with a fantastic line-up of musicians, performances from WAAPA, arts workshops, and family friendly activities. Folks in the metro area should pencil in a day trip to the Wheatbelt for all the action.
A Moment of Reflection
Amidst our celebrations, I’d also like to pause and acknowledge the loss of Aunty Dr Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith. A formidable poet, artist, academic, and truth-teller, Aunty Charmaine’s contributions to arts, culture, First Nations advocacy, and women’s rights have left an indelible mark on our community.
As the Chairperson of Yamaji Art and a dedicated RAWA member since the early 2000s, her wisdom and leadership have shaped both our organisation and the broader regional arts landscape in Western Australia.
While we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing her enormous legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and cultural leaders across our regions and beyond.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Warmly,
Dr. Pilar Kasat
CEO, Regional Arts WA
Posted in CEO Update, Our News.
