- Financial support for visual and performing arts, music, cultural projects and events
- 75 grants totalling more than three million dollars awarded to develop the sector
- Three rounds of funding in two streams available each financial year
A total of 75 community organisations, groups and individuals across Western Australia will benefit from $3,107,488 in Cook Government grants to support arts, music and cultural projects in WA via two funding streams.
The Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups and the Arts Projects for Organisations grant programs support the development and growth of a sector that promotes the participation and active engagement of WA communities in high quality arts and cultural experiences.
The programs have three rounds of funding each financial year and offer up to $80,000 for artists, creative industry professionals and organisations to deliver a one-off project or program of activities.
In the latest round of funding, which opened on 19 December 2023 and closed on 1 February 2024, there were 46 successful applicants sharing a total of $1,315,475 in the individuals and groups stream. Categories include music, visual arts and design, and literature and performing arts.
In the organisations’ stream, there were 29 successful applicants sharing $1,792,013. Categories include creative development, arts and creative business development, Aboriginal art and an annual program of activity.
Applications for the next funding round are now open and close on 30 May 2024.
More information about the programs and how to apply is available on the Department of Local Government, Sport and Culture Industries’ (DLGSC) website at for individuals and groups and for organisations.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“This funding support offered by the Cook Government is vital to develop and enhance the arts and culture sector in WA, and now 75 creative organisations, groups and individuals will see their projects and activities continue or become reality.
“The successful applicants reflect a diverse range of creative endeavours and events that reflect the great depth of talent that we have in this State.
“I urge the public to support these worthy recipients at a community level when these incredible projects are completed, and the events take place.”
Successful applicants for the Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups grant program:
A.M Birch & G Newton-Wordsworth Joan & The Giants 10 track debut album $24,850
Perth alt-pop rock band to record and release a 10-track debut album in July and August 2024.
Allen, Natalie Fremantle Arts Centre Residency $69,037
An 8-week residency at Fremantle Arts Centre diving into the depths of shame that will be the central idea of a new immersive dance theatre work, ‘The Abyss’. Lead artist Natalie Allen will create and collaborate methodologies with human behavioural trauma specialist Sylvia Marina.
Barker, Emily Ann UK Promotional Tour $16,079
WA-based singer songwriter to undertake a three-week promotional tour of their new album in the United Kingdom in May 2024.
Boroujeni, Fatemeh Shirzan, exhibition $10,750
The completion of work for IOTA24 exhibition at John Curtin Gallery in August. The elements will enhance and seamlessly integrate carved 3D works into a cohesive and impactful showcase and visitor experience.
Burrows, Emily Web Rumors – Album Marketing, Promotion and Distribution in Europe and UK $10,809
Perth new wave musician/producer to market, promote and distribute her new album in Europe and the UK from May to November 2024.
Button, Joshua Once upon a time, the Buttonverse $15,090
Training at the Centre for Stories in Perth to create imaginary characters from the Buttonverse, a parallel universe where all my alter egos and personal experiences live.
Carmody, Samuel Stephen Gracetown, draft of second novel $40,911
Funding to research, write and develop a full first draft and subsequent second draft of Gracetown, and engage editor Zo Bradley to complete two manuscript assessments.
Cheng, Jacky Interwoven remnants for IOTA 2024 $21,640
Funding to expand on and resolve an experimental body of work begun in 2023 utilising canvas offcuts from Spinifex Hill Studio to create new woven works to be installed as a large-format site-specific work at FORM Gallery in Perth.
Cironis, Olga Noise in this Silence, exhibition $23,618
An exhibition at Art Collective in June 2024 which will include 13 violins individually covered and stitched in grey military blankets, suspended in the gallery with seven speakers transmitting sounds of human movement in nature.
Elson, Sarah I can’t help but pull the earth around me to make my bed, exhibition $12,897
Funding for the display of work in a collaborative exhibition to be held at WA Art Collective in October 2024. The exhibition will bring together work from both Sarah Elson and Ric Spencer and include drawings and metal sculpture. The funding is essential for framing of large pencil drawings, vitrine making for the display of sculptures and photography.
Elstermann, Scott Marcus Foleyvision, final development and presentation $78,696
Foleyvision is a new contemporary dance work choreographed by Scott Elstermann. Funding is required to support a final three-week development, production week and five show presentation season at Subiaco Arts Centre Studio in October 2024.
Franz, Caterina Development and production of major new work $12,000
Production of a new work that delves into the role of seamstresses in 1950s and 1960s Italian society. The installation will form part of an exhibition to be held at the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, UWA in September 2024.
Gardiner, Leigh Tender is the Night 2024 $14,992
Western Australian singer songwriters perform their music in concert with a string quartet in Perth from May 2024 to February 2025.
Haakansson, Elham a love letter to the Nightingale, theatre adaptation $64,388
A new immersive play by Elham Eshraghian-Haakansson in collaboration with Iranian-Australian emerging artists and an expert support team, premiering as part of The Blue Room Theatre’s Annual Season in October 2024.
J A Champion & J K Osborne & N J Osborne Yomi Ship European Tour and Showcase $38,497
Perth instrumental progressive band to undertake a European tour and showcase from May to August 2024.
JD Ellis & JM Terlick & BJ Wilkie & AD Wright Alter Boy Album Campaign $37,027
Perth alternative pop band to complete the mixing, mastering, marketing, and promotional materials for their debut album in Perth from May to October 2024.
Klysz, Libby Producer professional development $23,090
Bespoke professional development for performing arts producing in mid-2024 including skill sharing/ upskilling with other independent producers.
Kobayashi, Hiroshi Rhizograph-Rhizogram, exhibition $14,594
A 2024 solo exhibition, a workshop, and the creation of an interactive WebGL site at Rockingham Arts Centre, showcasing the artist’s unique machinery production methods, followed by participation in the Moores Building Art Space Studios Program.
L Allan-McConchie & SD Henry & BK Lush Primrose Path – Record and Release New Songs $9,260
Perth progressive rock/metal to band record and release four new songs in Perth from May to July 2024.
Lawson, Andrew L.A. Professional Development Trip $7,053
WA producer/sound engineer to undertake a professional development trip in Los Angeles in September 2024.
LM Del Fante & TC Harper & SB Torrance Ghost Care – ‘Don’t I Know U’ East Coast Single Tour $8,655
Perth independent rock band to undertake an east coast tour to promote new single in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in May 2024.
Longley, Samuel VEHICLE, Canadian Fringe tour $17,995
Remounting and then touring the Western Australian independent theatre production of VEHICLE to the Montreal and Ottawa Fringe Festivals in mid-2024.
MA Greenwood & FA Lessac-Greenwood ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ author tour $9,611
Presentation at the StoryArts Festival in Queensland and school visits and workshops in Perth, Sydney, Adelaide and Victoria, to coincide with the release of ‘The Dragon’s Treasure’ and ‘The Vanishing’ to be published by Fremantle Press in July 2024.
Mah, Hock Meng Desmond Twisted tree tells his tales, a solo exhibition $9,510
A solo exhibition of 12 contemporary paintings to be held at the Mossenson Galleries, Perth/Boorloo in Oct 2024.
McKinlay, Megan The Cumulo-Nimbus Boys’ Choir, novel development $17,028
Research and writing of a novel for ages 8 to 12 in 2024. The work will have broad narrative appeal for its intended readership in addition to being richly thematic and thought-provoking. Its publication will both consolidate and diversify a longstanding career as a writer for young people.
McKnight, Justine The Net of Time, collaborative project completion and residency $24,075
Completion of long-term collaborative project over a one month residency at Fremantle Arts Centre in September and October 2024.
Meakins, Timothy Body Mould, exhibition $31,766
The creation and exhibition of new works that aim to investigate the visual capabilities of our bodies, probing and stretching the possibilities of muscular transformation. This project will take place at Sweet Pea, Perth, in 2024 and create the opportunity to collaborate with UAP.
Mitchell, Adam Perth Playwriting Festival $79,052
A nine-day playwriting festival consisting of workshops, readings and panels in November 2024.
Mitchell, Scott-Patrick Incantations To A Drowned Canyon, book $29,370
Funding for 14 months to complete a second poetry collection and assist with researching the coastal landscape and the way West Australians and particularly those who are working class and financially unstable access our beaches. Activity will also include three free workshops exploring The Poetry of WA Beaches, and 15 hours of mentoring from Alan Fyfe.
Nelson, Sarah Into The Fog $61,856
Third stage creative development for new work to be developed during an upcoming short-term PICA residency, alongside additional development at the State Theatre Centre. This development stage will expand the creative team to include sound, lighting, dramaturgy, and movement direction from world renowned artist Maria Carolina Viera.
OC Bolt & JW Tesser Ra Ra Viper – Debut Album $25,835
Perth indie rock band to record and release their debut album in Perth from May 2024 to February 2025.
Oceanique Music Oceanique to record and release their second album $23,570
Albany Indie folk duo to record and release their second album in regional WA from May 2024 to May 2025.
Perret, Martine Djanga Spirit $14,624
The final stage of creative development of work by Martine Perret in collaboration with Elders Vivian Brockman Webb and Mitchella Hutchins with artist Roly Skender towards project titled: ‘Djanga-Spirit’, which focuses on Wardandi culture. The culminating exhibition and installation will integrate photography, video, audio, music, and be presented at The Farm Margaret River during Margaret River Open Studios in Sept and at the Museum of the Great Southern in Albany from Nov 2024 to March 2025.
Phillips, Perdita Expanded Terrains parts 1 and 2: creating and exhibiting art about geology and place $32,963
A period of intense studio developments to develop a suite of artworks that expand on a 2023 Activating Collections AIR Program at Museum of the Goldfields. Photographs, animations, prints, and short videos will be created for exhibition at Artgold.
Purtill, Emily Tsokos ELIA, development $6,209
Funding to work on writing second Greek-Australian novel which will focus on an immigrant family and their olive groves in Australia and in Greece.
Ransom, Tanya New Album Recording $36,466
WA singer songwriter to record a studio album featuring 11 folk country songs in Bunbury from August to October 2024.
Redhead, Tracy Semantic Machine – Final Development $15,100
Multifaceted WA artist’s Final Development of the Semantic Machine app, an innovative song/mobile application from May to August 2024.
Robinson, Tyrone squared-OFF – a double bill $77,617
This funding is for the presentation of two full length dance shows (Madre Muerte & Acid Trip) by Tyrone Earl Lra Robinson. This program is a representation of the diverse works that Tyrone creates as part of the OFF-base collective.
Schwarz, Janien Underfoot: Melange $8,717
The Underfoot collective is exhibiting Melange at Mundaring Arts Centre as part of IOTA24. Funding will support gallery hire and a residency that will transform Gallery 2 into an experiential geo-themed space for conversations and exchanges between the arts and sciences.
Searle, Sarah A ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ in Her, a graphic novel $13,835
A ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ in Her is a graphic novel set in Western Australia that explores themes of language, identity, and home. Funding is requested to support the final steps of project creation, plus expenses associated with the printing and promotion of a self-published art edition.
Symczycz, Kirsten Debut Album $20,625
Perth composer, pianist, and accordionist to record and release a debut album of original compositions in Perth from May 2024 to March 2025.
The Trustee for Pond Band Unit Trust Pond 13-date US tour to promote 10th studio album $40,393
Perth indie band to undertake a 13-date US tour to promote the release of their 10th studio album in May 2024.
Tippett, Monique Reach Scotland international art residency and Edinburgh sculpture workshop $16,498
Expansion of creative relationship with 3D sculpture and wood during a a four-week research and development residency and Edinburgh sculpture workshops in 2024.
Tweedie, Mark Carnarvon residency and solo exhibition $17,862
A research and development residency in Carnarvon during June 2024, including community and school workshops, followed by the creation of a new body of work for a solo exhibition at Art Collective WA in 2025.
Van der heyden, Christy Gutharraguda Kaju Katka (Skywalk), TEXTILES FROM THE PARK $79,982
HOOSH Designs has been invited by local Traditional Custodian and SkyWalk Caf operators Nhanda Enterprises in Kalbarri ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Park to contribute to the The Nanda Gutharraguda Kaju Katka (Skywalk) bush tucker project event by creating a fashion and wearable arts project.
Weston, Julie Hickey Hardware fashion collections $50,983
Marketing project to support product diversification of Hickey Hardware in 2024 with medical scrubs and commercial upholstery to deliver sustainable commercial viability and growth.
Successful applicants for the Arts Projects for Organisations grant program:
Australian Dance Council – Ausdance WA Branch Inc Capacity Building Program $80,000
WA dance organisation to deliver a program of professional development and provide critical services to build the capacity of the WA dance industry from July 2024 to June 2025.
Big hART Inc Punkaliyarra Creative Development $75,000
Multi-art form project that will deliver two creative developments of a performance work in Roebourne from May to December 2024.
Centre for Culture and Technology, Curtin University String Craft: Bilum + Dilly Bags $53,100
‘String Craft: Bilum + Dilly Bags’ will exhibit at the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial, commencing November 2024, to promote Western Australian string craft artists and practices. The exhibition will celebrate the cultural and gendered significance of string crafts to indigenous Australian and Papua New Guinean communities, notably the Aboriginal Dilly Bag and the PNG Bilum.
Children’s Book Council of Australia Western Australian Branch Inc CBCA WA Children’s Book Week 2024 – $75,000
A children’s book week event to be held in metropolitan & country centres across WA in August 2024.
Cool Change Contemporary Inc. Cool Change Special Projects Partnership with Pakenham Art Space $62,729
Cool Change and Pakenham Street Art Space will partner in 2024 to accept proposals from emerging and experimental practitioners to fill their upstairs gallery. The partnership will allow Cool Change to combine networks and resources to expand its audience base and set a precedent for future collaborations.
DesignFreo Inc Fremantle Design Week 2024 $79,315
A multi-disciplinary design festival that brings seven days of exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops, films, open studios, and special events to Fremantle in October 2024.
Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC Moorditj Koominyoo Dit Koorl (Strong Community Together) $78,000
Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation will deliver three linked community arts projects led by First Nations artists in 2024: NAIDOC Week, Esperance Wildflower Festival, and Boodja Dwordak Wirn / Bringing Country’s Spirit Back to Life Light Trail with Illuminart. These projects will produce two public community sculpture outcomes and two community dance performances.
International Art Space Pty Ltd Circular Economies, Stage One Development $64,350
Stage one of a two-year program of residency-based, context responsive projects in regional WA communities by five international, national, and local artists, that will facilitate knowledge sharing between regional communities and artists across the globe. Artists will spend six weeks engaging communities to develop collaborative projects addressing local issues.
Jindahood Pty Ltd Follow the Sun $40,000
WA singer and songwriter to create a book of songs and illustrations in both Noongar and English in Perth and Bunbury from June 2024 to April 2025.
Margaret River Region Open Studios Inc Marketing uplift for Margaret River Region Open Studios 2024 $66,000
Margaret River Region Open Studios will increase its marketing efforts for the 2024 event by providing a high-quality marketing mix delivered by local professions. It will include an enhanced 60-page event guide, PR and publicity, social media management, professional photography and videography, and e-news preparation.
Music Book Stories Inc. Chimera Ensemble’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration Concert $13,212
Perth chamber music organisation to stage a 10th year anniversary chamber music concert in Perth from 2 May to 26 May 2024.
Perth Comic Arts Festival Organising Committee Perth Comic Arts Festival activities for 2024 2025 $62,277
Perth comic arts festival to deliver an annual program of free activities in Perth from May 2024 to April 2025.
Perth International Cabaret Festival Limited Creative planning and business development for Perth International Cabaret Festival $80,000
In July 2024, the Perth International Cabaret Festival will launch a series of cabaret activities and shows during the year to increase the profile, understanding and popularity of cabaret across the state.
Perth International Jazz Festival Inc. 2024-25 Perth International Jazz Festival Program of Events $79,600
Perth International Jazz Festival will run a year-round series of events including an annual program of live music performances at Camelot Hall in Mosman Park. The program of events will complement the multi-weekend Jazz Festival in Perth and the South-West of WA, commencing in October 2024.
Propel Youth Arts WA Incorporated Propel Launchpad $80,000
Youth arts organisation to undertake a new pilot initiative that empowers young and emerging artists in WA from June 2024 to April 2025.
Pvi Collective Ltd ‘booster’ Creative Development and Programming $50,000
‘booster’ has been commissioned by The Substation (VIC) and Perth Festival to undertake creative development and beta testing over three years. This second stage development will incorporate creative development and interface programming and design for this immersive performance role playing game.
Same Drum Pty Ltd Business Development $79,930
Not for profit WA arts and digital organisation to undertake professional and skills development to develop commercial sustainability in Perth from July 2024 to June 2025.
Sculpture at Bathers Sculpture at Bathers 2025 $79,730
Sculpture at Bathers is a 17-day biennial arts event staged at Fremantle’s Bathers Beach/ Manjaree, showcasing the works of contemporary Western Australian sculptors. Opening March 2025, it is a free and accessible public event which will include a sculpture trail, indoor exhibition, and public programs.
Segrave Pty Ltd Presentation at Sydney Contemporary 2024 $9,458
Perth art gallery Moore Contemporary to present art works by three Western Australian artists at Sydney Contemporary 2024 in September 2024.
South Summit Band Pty Ltd South Summit – ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Headline Tour For Debut Album $23,550
South Summit Band will embark on a headline tour of their new album around Australia and to New Zealand in the latter half of 2024. Performances in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Wellington, Auckland and Brisbane will average a 500 capacity and mark South Summit’s biggest headline tour to date.
The Artists’ Foundation of Western Australia Limited Artsource’s Annual Program of Activities $80,000
Artsource will support Western Australian visual artists with a member services program including professional development, insurance, networking, exhibitions, employment and advocacy services. It will also promote Western Australian artists, liaise with stakeholders such as local governments to connect them with artists, manage subsidised artist studios and Old Customs House.
The Equity Benevolent Guild of WA Inc The 2024 Performing Arts WA Awards $22,000
The 2024 Performing Arts WA Awards will be held at the Heath Ledger Theatre on 12 August 2024 to celebrate performing arts professionals across theatre, dance, musicals and opera.
The Perth Centre for Photography Inc Annual Program of Exhibitions $80,000
The Perth Centre for Photography will deliver an exhibition, education and audience engagement program showcasing local, national, and international artists. The program will feature collaborations with galleries and institutions from across WA to reach new audiences and participants.
The Southern River Band Pty Ltd ‘Stan Qualen’ European/UK Single Tour $78,000
Perth rock band to undertake their first international tour of Europe and the UK in May and June 2024.
Theatre 180 Inc Catalpa Flight to Freedom Creative Development $59,547
Theatre 180 will collaborate with WA Museum in a stage one creative development for its fifth Cineplay production. The plays tell the historical story of the Catalpa rescue of six Fenians from Fremantle prison in 1986, to coincide with a WA Museum exhibition for the events’ 150th anniversary.
Wanjoo Pty Ltd Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse Llais Festival (Cardiff) Residency $31,241
Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse will engage in a residency and a performance at the 2024 Llais Festival, Cardiff. The residency will include six workshops with linguistically diverse young people, connecting culture and language, while learning songs that will be performed as a youth choir of more than 150 voices.
Warlayirti Artists Aboriginal Corporation Inc Annual Program of Events and Outreach $79,921
Aboriginal arts organisation to deliver an annual program of events & outreach across the Kutjungka/Kimberley from May 2024 to April 2025.
Woodfordia Inc Off the Beaten Track $57,585
Not-for-profit community organisation to commission musicians to perform live original music in small local halls in rural/regional WA from June to September 2024.
Writing WA Inc Perth Metropolitan Emerging Writers Development Program $74,052
Writing WA will present a highly focused professional development program in support of 20 emerging Western Australian writers, to develop their career sustainability and the skills to find trade publication. The project builds on the framework of Fremantle Press’ previous emerging writers’ programs and will include mentoring, writing workshops and ongoing mentorship support.
