Cultural Industries

The state’s film and television industry has not been immune to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, with staff cuts and hits to revenue already flowing through the sector.

Yirra Yaakin Theatre Company’s near-term future is secure after it was included among the 95 organisations to receive four years' funding from the Australia Council for the Arts earlier this month.

Western Australian charities offering support services are gearing up for a surge in demand as restrictions introduced to stop the spread of COVID-19 start to strain people’s finances and mental health.

The federal government will provide $100 million to more than 300 charities, Minderoo Foundation committed $5 million to community initiatives, and Gina Rinehart donated $6 million to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia over the weekend to help charities meet increased demand.

Andrew and Nicola Forrest have donated an additional $520 million to their philanthropic organisation Minderoo Foundation, bringing their total donations to $2 billion.

Forty-nine arts organisations that previously received Australia Council for the Arts funding have missed out in the latest round, with the 95 recipients selected last Friday to share $31.7 million over four years.

In an initiative led by the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA, the Western Australian resources sector has pledged $6.6 million to Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations, Foodbank WA and Lifeline WA.

Two long-standing disability services chief executives share how they have dealt with upheaval and disruption in the sector.

Andrew and Nicola Forrest’s Minderoo Foundation is flying in tonnes of medical supplies from China and increasing Western Australia's capacity to test for COVID-19, as part of a rescue package announced today.

The performing arts sector is coming up with new ways to ensure people are entertained, in light of government restrictions on indoor events attended by 100 people or more as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Victoria Park disability service provider was under financial pressure and planned to sell its specifically adapted building to stay viable, until management devised a new plan.

Ambitious plans to attract more visitors from outside Western Australia for next year’s Perth Festival and beyond are top-of-mind for executive director Nathan Bennett.

After going into liquidation in February, Kosmic Sound has been saved by South Australian business Dale Cleves Music Group, shortly after another iconic WA brand Jeanswest was also rescued.

Organisations in the community services sector established the #YourHelpWA campaign to secure 20 per cent more funding to cover increasing staffing costs. 

Perth Festival anticipates it will achieve a small increase in its box office sales, from $5.4 million in 2019 to $5.5 million in 2020.

Employees with autism and their employers have emphasised the importance of clear communication at a recent Autism West event.

Theatre 180 and entertainment platform CinemaStage are bringing theatre to the cinema for a production of AB Facey’s A Fortunate Life.

The state government plan to shield entertainment venues from noise complaints is raising concerns in Fremantle, with claims the implementation of ‘special entertainment precincts’ may not address the complexities associated with the port city’s increasing density.

When their first sponsorship arrangement was introduced 25 years ago, EY was an accounting, tax and corporate finance business and WASO was part of the ABC.

Fringe World Festival recorded a drop in box office sales, despite higher attendance, as it wrapped up its 2020 season last night.

REED WA has acquired eight struggling childcare centres in regional Western Australia and plans to keep them operational by implementing a cluster model of management.

Otherside Brewing is cementing its position as a supporter of Western Australian artists by collaborating with the Art Gallery of WA to bring beer, music and art to the gallery after hours this month.

Perth Festival begins tonight with a week of indigenous programming and the unveiling of a new venue, City of Lights at Perth Concert Hall.

Social services organisation St Bart’s has undergone major changes in recent months, with a rebrand to reposition its services and the appointment of a new chief executive.

The Fashion Council WA says it is finalising a deal to pay suppliers to the 2019 Perth Fashion Festival, four months after the event.

Fringe World Festival has grown to give thousands of artists the chance to showcase their work, although the financial returns can vary.

United Way WA, Barking Gecko Theatre and Co3 Australia are among the beneficiaries of $2.1 million of donations from Healthway and Lotterywest to aid companies in executing public health and wellbeing programs.

The official launch of Fringe World Festival on Thursday night was interrupted by local artists protesting the festival’s partnership with Woodside Petroleum.

Rick Heath has been named executive director at Black Swan State Theatre Company, following controversy over sudden leadership changes at the organisation last year.

A strong focus on developing and sustaining corporate partnerships is one factor behind Western Australia’s oldest theatre company, Barking Gecko Theatre, notching up its 30th birthday.

WA’s newest cultural drawcard is set to showcase the state’s unique heritage on a world stage.

Minderoo Foundation, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA and Fenix Resources made senior appointments over the holiday break.