It's clear that
artists are struggling a bit to understand some of the basics of how to build an audience and collaborate on
for more platform opportunities. 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.
,
artists said they were attracted to Geraldton's lifestyle and area because of the supportive culture and
,
more affordable housing and rent compared to Perth.
1 https://research. The report draws on socio-economic data1 compiled for the ‘creative hotspots’
included in this study, and all Australian local government areas – as well as desk research, and a small but
diverse sample of key informant interviews in Geraldton. au/creativehotspots/
5
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. Artists working alone at
said they sometimes struggle to find studio space, while
's gallery space was also reported. The opportunity to connect with other artists was
welcome but the lack of Aboriginal representatives was noted. 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.
