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.
,
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. 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. These include renovated buildings such as the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery and La Residencia. 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 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 opportunity to connect with other artists was
welcome but the lack of Aboriginal representatives was noted. e.
The discussion ended with an explanation of a company called The Residency,. Another problem is that artists do not understand how to create coordinated and interconnected cultural tourism experiences or other types of events or festival platforms on a
scale, which ultimately allows artists to implement more sustainable activities.
