Support for regional arts development
Seven regional Aboriginal arts and cultural groups are set to be strengthened through new performances and storytelling projects, thanks to more than $600,000 in WA Government funding.
The program invests in regional Aboriginal-led projects that showcase the unique stories of Western Australia’s Aboriginal peoples and supports their long-term skills development goals.
The WA Government has announced it will support Juluwarlu Group for Ngurra Nyujunggamu – When the World Was Soft, which has also received support from the Australian Government’s Creative Futures Fund.
This work is a major new roaming performance and outdoor large-scale projection work telling Yindjibarndi creation stories.
“Aboriginal art is at the heart of Western Australia’s cultural identity, and this funding ensures those stories continue to be told in powerful, authentic ways,” Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said.
“The Regional Aboriginal Arts Development supports regional artists to share knowledge, develop skills and showcase their work to the world – while ensuring cultural traditions are carried forward with pride.”
Strengthening cultural identity
Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson added that by backing Aboriginal-led arts organisations, the State was strengthening cultural identity while also creating jobs and opportunities across its regions.
“This funding is about more than the arts – it’s about building capacity in regional Aboriginal organisations, supporting skills development, and creating pathways for young people to stay connected to culture while contributing to their local economies,” he said.
Recipients for Round 2 of the Regional Aboriginal Arts Development program include:
- Bunbury Regional Art Gallery – $72,675 for Noongar Arts Fashion, where First Nations stories are translated into wearable art pieces, culminating in a 2026 fashion show;
- Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community La Grange – $49,289 for Strong Foundations Story Exchange, which will support the development of an operations manual for arts workers;
- Mara Arts Aboriginal Corporation – $50,000 for the creation of a 5-year Mid West Aboriginal Arts Industry strategy;
- Juluwarlu Group Aboriginal Corporation – $149,500 for Ngurra Nyujunggamu – When the World Was Soft, a large-scale street performance through puppetry and projections;
- Goolarri Media Enterprises – $149,983 for the final development and presentation of Because We’re Blak, a new Aboriginal theatre work in Broome;
- Ardyaloon Art and Culture Centre Aboriginal Corporation – $50,000 for the establishment of a new professional training and development program in business mentorship and studio development
- Fremantle Biennale – $111,281 for the commissioned artwork Wodoi and Jungun by Worrorra artist, Leah Umbagai.
This funding forms part of the WA Government’s commitment to regional arts through the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.
