The Nationals WA have unveiled a $38 million ‘Making A Difference for Regional Arts’ policy, delivering a major funding boost to regional venues, arts organisations, and pathways for local artists.
Leader of The Nationals WA Shane Love MLA announced the commitment in Albany today, standing outside the iconic Albany Entertainment Centre alongside Albany candidate Scott Leary.
“Regional arts, culture and entertainment are the lifeblood of our communities, yet under WA Labor, these sectors have been chronically underfunded and neglected,” Mr Love said.
“This $38 million investment over four years will provide crucial funding to support regional arts venues, sustain arts organisations, and create jobs for regional artists, ensuring that creative industries can continue to thrive outside of Perth.
“While WA Labor is splashing out millions to bring Coldplay to Perth, The Nationals are investing in a long-term and sustainable future for regional arts and culture and delivering the funding needed to support homegrown and emerging talent.”
At the heart of the policy is a $20 million Regional Arts & Entertainment Centres Fund, delivering much-needed upgrades, maintenance and financial support for major venues across WA. Venues set to share in the fund include:
• Albany Entertainment Centre
• Broome Civic Centre
• Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre
• Busselton Performing Arts & Conference Centre
• Esperance Civic Centre
• Geraldton’s Queens Park Theatre
• Goldfields Arts Centre
• Karratha Red Earth Arts Precinct
• Northam’s Bilya Koort Boodja Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• Port Hedland’s Matt Dann Theatre
“Collectively, these venues generate over $25 million for the regional economy each year, making them just as important as major cultural events like the Perth Festival,” Mr Love said.
“But with rising costs and ongoing funding gaps, many of these venues are struggling to keep the doors open. The Nationals WA will give them the support they need to stay viable, deliver world-class productions, and continue enriching local communities.”
The Nationals WA Culture and Arts Spokesperson Julie Freeman said an additional $18 million would be committed to Regional Arts WA to deliver vital arts programs and career opportunities.
“The includes $7.2 million to expand the Regional Arts Sector Investment Program, ensuring regional arts and cultural organisation remain financially sustainable amid rising wages, rents and insurance costs,” Ms Freeman said.
“A further $6 million will boost regional arts jobs, expand the Regional Arts Network from eight to over 20 not-for-profit arts organisations, and support up to 38 new graduate jobs in regional creative industries.
“And $4.8 million will establish the Creative Collaboration Fund to deliver grassroots funding for projects, create more opportunities for Aboriginal artists, and to activate more spaces and events,
helping to drive tourism and economic activity in regional WA.”
The Nationals WA candidate for Albany Scott Leary said investment in local arts and culture makes regional communities for vibrant, liveable, and attractive for visitors.
“Arts and culture bring people together, foster creativity, and boost tourism. They are a key part of making communities like Albany such great places to live,” Mr Leary said.
“Whether it’s live music at the pub, a local gallery show, or a major production at the Albany Entertainment Centre, these experiences shape our communities.
“This funding puts regional WA on the map as a creative powerhouse, where artists, musicians and performers don’t have to move to Perth to succeed,” Mr Leary said.
