au/creativehotspots/
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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. Pursuant to this aim we provide key statistics, discuss notable
‘hotspot’ enablers, and their context, and provide mini-cases studies which will be of benefit to the arts and
culture sector in Australia. 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 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.
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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. 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. 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.
1 https://research. e.
,
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.
