Methodology and acknowledgements
It is important to make clear that the intention of this study is not to undertake an exhaustive inventory of
arts and culture in Geraldton but rather to understand the key drivers that make Geraldton a notable
regional Australian ‘creative hotspot’. The discussion centred on a number of
issues:
pre-existing community cultural groups and the evolution of a new chapter in the functioning of the
community arts scene in Geraldton
access to venues and production spaces and their availability or lack thereof
the lack of connection and communication between artists and between the different local arts
organisations (i. Artists working alone at
said they sometimes struggle to find studio space, while
's gallery space was also reported. But it's worth noting that Geraldton has a number of public buildings that host art at
. The opportunity to connect with other artists was
welcome but the lack of Aboriginal representatives was noted. The research team gratefully acknowledge the assistance of the following people and
organisations for providing the information and insights that made this report possible:
Marina Baker, Gallery Officer, Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Ross Barden, ‘Volunteer Management’ Geraldton Cultural Trust
Jane Barndon, Artist
Fred Block, City of Greater Geraldton
Julian Canny, ‘Ringleader’/Producer, Euphorium Creative
Kim Canny, Majek Collective
Mark Canny, Majek Collective
Trudi Cornish, Manager Libraries, Heritage and Gallery, City of Greater Geraldton
Cam Fitzgerald, Artist
Paula Fletcher, Acting Coordinator Art Gallery and Cultural Development, Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Dr Howard Gray, Marine Ecosystem Expert and Economic Historian
Minna Hilton, Associate Producer, Euphorium Creative
Lynda Howitt, Artist (lyndahowitt. The local arts ecosystem is rich and varied and includes
a number of arts and cultural assets and groups, for example:
Maritime, museums, and tourism
Museum of Geraldton’s collection about the Batavia shipwreck
maritime heritage
Abrolhos Islands
HMAS Sydney (II) Wreck Memorial
Hamlet Greenough Museum and Gardens
eco-touring
Arts and media
Yamaji Art
Irra Wangga Language Centre. But
seems to have started a new chapter and a new organization called
Geraldton Project is doing something good to revitalize the ecosystem. com)
Roni Jones, Manager, Yamaji Art Centre
Leigh O’Brien, Regional Manager, Western Australian Museum
Andrew Outhwaite, Lead Founder of Pollinators
Valli Papini, Team Leader, Queens Park Theatre Geraldton
Lizzy Robinson, Printmaker and Art worker (lizzyprint. The group was composed of two performing-arts practitioners, five visual artists, Chair of
the Geraldton Cultural Trust, a CGG representative with cultural responsibilities, and the manager and a staff
member from the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery.