Showcasing the arts at Regional Cabinet
Regional Arts WA
Written by Paul MacPhail
I had the good fortune to be in sunny Port Hedland this weekend, attending the Regional Community Cabinet Town Hall meeting on Sunday, 26 August.
We were able to make sure the Premier of Western Australia and Cabinet Ministers present were treated to a fantastic showcase of Pilbara arts and culture including a performance of an excerpt from Big hART’s new work with the Roebourne community, TJAABI – FLOOD PLAIN, a mini exhibition of representative works from the Pilbara art centres, and songs in Nyangumarta language from Glen Gardiner from the Strelley community.
Picture by Paul MacPhail.
There was a very positive response from the 150 community members in attendance, as well as appreciation from the Cabinet themselves.
We’re very hopeful we can continue to work with the Department of Premier and Cabinet to ensure a Regional Arts Showcase is a featured part of each Community Cabinet meeting from here on in.
One of Country Arts WA’s Board members, Pilbara resident James Jarvis from Nintirri Centre in Tom Price, was also able to publicly ask the Cabinet a question about the continuation of the Creative Regions package. In response, Hon. David Templeman MLA, the Minister for Local Government, Heritage; Culture and the Arts, was very clear about the State Government’s appreciation of the value of arts and culture in communities, the impact this funding package has had, and his commitment to ensure a strong Business Case is put forward for its continuation.
