Image: The Alternative Archive, Regional Arts Triennial survey touring exhibition at Goldfields Arts Centre, 2023. Photography by Mellen Burns.
As we settle into 2025, ART ON THE MOVE Executive Director Ricky Arnold provides an update on some of the exciting developments shaping the future of arts and culture in Western Australia.
A Bold Vision for WA Arts
At the time of writing this, the Roger Cook led Labor Party has just won the State election and will be returning to Government. The cabinet is yet to be announced, and with it a new Minister for Culture and the Arts, after the retirement of the Hon David Templeman MLA.
At the close of 2024, alongside the launch of ART ON THE MOVE’s 2025 program, Minister Templeman introduced Creative WA: Our 10 Year Vision, setting a bold direction for the future of culture and the arts in our state. The vision outlines a vibrant, booming, and sustainable creative ecosystem, where our cities and regions are the best places to live, work, and learn because everyone can participate in and benefit from culture, art, and creativity.
The vision’s three strategic priorities strongly align with ART ON THE MOVE’s purpose. These are to strengthen the creative, cultural, and arts sector; share stories and celebrate place; and increase access and participation for all Western Australians.
We are particularly excited to see the alignment between Creative WA and the Get It Out There! Regional Visual Arts Touring Strategy for Western Australia 2024-28. I want to highlight two key actions that stand out in this connection.
Investment in Cultural Infrastructure
First, the vision calls for the update and establishment of fit-for-purpose cultural facilities, which echoes Goal 4 of our Touring Strategy: Increasing equitable community access to infrastructure that supports collections care, touring activity, and cultural exchange.
As part of the research phase for the Touring Strategy, I had the opportunity to brief the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) and Lotterywest on the specific needs of regional visual arts venues. I’m thrilled to see that Lotterywest has committed $30 million over three years to refurbish and equip existing art and cultural infrastructure. What’s especially exciting is that this funding will cover planning, feasibility, design costs, and project management support – crucial elements for regional organisations with limited staff resources.
This support will allow more regional venues to actively participate in this process, aligning seamlessly with the DLGSC’s Public Regional Galleries Improvement Fund, creating an opportunity for significant investments.
Expressions of Interest for Lotterywest’s infrastucture grants are now open through the Lotterywest website.
Championing Regional Creatives
The second action focuses on increasing cultural events and exhibitions in both Perth and regional centres, aligning with Goal 2 of the Touring Strategy: Increased opportunities for regionally-led exhibition development and touring.
Through funding from the State Government’s Regional Exhibition Touring Boost, ART ON THE MOVE is pleased to confirm an initial commitment of $210,000 over four years towards the Regional Arts Triennial. This funding supports regional content creation and fosters critical community outcomes by celebrating regional artists across Western Australia. We are delighted to collaborate with Southern Forest Arts and Kimberley Arts Network, who are leading this project in their respective regions.
ART ON THE MOVE is providing additional financial support to John Curtin Gallery tied to the Triennial’s survey exhibition in late 2026 and will fund the tour of this exhibition across regional areas starting in 2027.
This substantial investment demonstrates our strong belief in the depth of talent within regional creative communities and recognises the career-enhancing opportunities that the Regional Arts Triennial provides. It is our firm belief that the Triennial is deserving of sustained investment and should have a permanent place on the State’s cultural events calendar.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the future. These investments are important steps towards strengthening our creative sector, increasing access and participation, and celebrating the diverse stories that make up WA’s cultural identity.