13 April 2016
Minister for the Arts, Hon Mitch Fifield, and Senator for Western Australia Dean Smith today announced $400,000 for a new international residency program in Western Australia through the Catalyst Australian Arts and Culture Fund.
Catalyst funding for this project will support the establishment of The Goods Shed in Claremont, by local arts organisation FORM, to support urban renewal in the area. The Goods Shed development will include a facility for visiting artists, including opportunities for residencies in rural and regional Western Australia.
Minister Fifield said the Goods Shed represents the type of innovative endeavours Catalyst is intended to support.
“Not only will these residencies develop the professional practice of individual artists, but the work produced will tour regionally and interstate, providing local communities in the Pilbara and Albany the opportunity to collaborate and attend workshops,” Minister Fifield said.
Senator Dean Smith said the project would contribute to promoting cultural tourism in the Pilbara, and in the Wheatbelt, and support the future development of a creative industries hub in the Great Southern region.
“The international artists invited to participate, many of whom may not have previously visited Australia, will have a unique chance to spend time in a range of distinctive regional locations,” Senator Smith said.
CEO of FORM, Lynda Dornington said she hoped the Catalyst – Australian Arts and Culture Fund is around for a long time.
“This type of investment fund, which is not found within traditional arts funding streams, will foster burgeoning expressions of initiative and leadership at a grassroots level, so that Australia can make increasing use of its creative potential,” Ms Dornington said.
“It would be wonderful to think that this grant to FORM will play a part in WA becoming a community that values art and innovation, and recognises and celebrates its own creativity.”
Catalyst is open to applications at all times. For more information or to apply, visit the Ministry for the Arts website www.arts.gov.au/catalyst or call 1800 590 577.