qut. the ecosystem comprised many elements, but the connections were lacking)
audiences, particularly the difference between events and activities that were provided free versus
those that required a payment, such as selling art or attending a performance. 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. 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. au/creativehotspots/
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FINAL v2 19 May 2020
Strategic theme 1: What are the interrelationships across the sub-sectors
of the creative industries?
There are three key elements in the vibrant arts and culture ecosystem of Geraldton:
a long-term community-led arts and culture scene
prominent local arts institutions with publicly funded staff
a spirit of arts entrepreneurship.
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FINAL v2 19 May 2020
Discussion during a focus group of local artists during fieldwork for this project illustrates the challenges of
local visual artists. com)
Fiona Shallcross, Project Manager (Tourism), Midwest Development Commission
Bruce Sherwood, Principal, Eastman Poletti Sherwood Architects
Rob Smallwood, Digital Economy, Mid West Development Commission
Susan Smith, Community and Cultural Development, Manager City of Greater Geraldton
Mayor Shane Van Styn, City of Greater Geraldton
Pieter Vorster, Economic Development, City of Greater Geraldton
Sara Walker, Acting Coordinator Art Gallery and Cultural Development, Geraldton Regional Art Gallery
Savanah Wilkinson, Artist
We also acknowledge the assistance of Nicki Hall and Vivien Clifford in undertaking this research.
1 https://research. edu. 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’.
