As we head into the long weekend (hooray for a bonus day of creativity), we're thrilled to announce that our very first Regional Arts WA Ambassador is packing their camera and heading to the York Festival. They'll be capturing the colour and character of the event through video and photography (watch this space).
It's been an inspiring month across the state's South West, with the Margaret River Region Open Studios and Emergence Creative 'Collision' festival shaking us from the throes of winter hibernation.
In the Goldfields, our Social Fabric project continues to weave threads of solidarity and spark vital conversations in the community.
For more on all the latest new initiatives (as well as grant opportunities. funding success stories, and arts updates) check out the full September CEO Update and check the highlights below.
With support from Regional Arts WA, the Blue Room Theatre will host an emerging regional theatre maker, performer, or artist aged 18-26 for a week-long professional development residency.
All travel and accommodation costs also covered, as well as networking opportunities and professional development.
Expressions of interest close September 30th, and may be extended so don't be shy and put your name forward! This opportunity is proudly supported by the WA Government.
In 2006, jewellery designer, Francois Payet, moved to Wooditchup Bilya Margaret River with his wife and two young boys. “We’d come here for holidays, I didn’t mind the wine, and we fell in love with it. It felt right.”
He bought a gallery with his brother Nicholas on the main street and, in time, found himself the property on Boodjidup Road. The land itself came with a weatherboard house for Francois’ family, and, as luck or fate would have it, there was no need to clear a single tree. Amid one section of open land, the gallery was built.
Today, the brothers’ workshop hums with the rhythm of their decades-long partnership. “Nicholas and I have been working together for over 35 years,” Francois says. “We are both quite lost without each other."
For Regional Artists, Arts Workers, and Organisations
Festivals Australia funding is now available for projects that bring arts and culture to regional communities through festivals or one-off celebrations.
Applications close on October 7th for projects that start after February 1st (2026).
A Tribute to a Cherished Member of the Arts Community
Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the below makes references to a person who has passed away.
Late last month our community lost a leading voice for First Nations culture in Australia, with the passing of Aunty Charmaine Papertalk Green Smith.
Born in Eradu, Aunty Charmaine was a proud Wajarri, Badimaya and Wilunyu woman of the Yamaji Nation. A visual artist, author, poet, storyteller and social science researcher, she shared her cultural knowledge in many different spheres.
Aunty Charmaine's generous contributions to Regional Arts WA over many years have created a lasting legacy within our organisation. As a respected Elder, mentor, and a friend to many in our team, her wisdom and warmth will be missed throughout the RAWA family. We take comfort in knowing that Aunty Charmaine's enormous legacy will inspire artists across our regions for years to come.
We're excited to launch the Regional Arts WA Ambassador Program, inviting passionate photographers and videographers from across Western Australia to help tell the story of Western Australia’s regional arts scene.
Regional arts events and artists often go undocumented, with their stories remaining untold outside local communities. We want to change that by working with talented visual storytellers who understand and love your regions.
If you're a photographer/videographer interested in becoming a Regional Arts WA Ambassador, read below for more details on the program and how to get in touch.
Inviting First Nations Artists to Shape Brand Identity
Tourism Australia, in partnership with YarnnUp, are inviting Expressions of Interest from First Nations artists to create a new series of digital artworks that represent the interconnected songlines of this continent.
The artwork will be interwoven in the national tourism agency’s global marketing, appearing across digital campaigns, content, and marketing materials.
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