Funding boost for arts, community and youth projects

Thirteen local projects have received a funding boost in the City of Fremantle's latest round of Creative Arts and Community grants.

The successful recipients – four for the arts, six for community and three for youth – share in almost $77,500 of financial support.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the three themes that emerged in first round of grants in the 2023-24 program were youth mental health, disability assistance, and mentorship for emerging artists.

"The City of Fremantle is committed to supporting activities that make a positive contribution to the lives of young people, our community and Fremantle’s vibrant arts and culture sector," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Arts projects supported in this round included a historical walking tour of the West End with projections and immersive soundscapes; a tree-led participant experience at Booyeembara Park; a collaborative theatre show developed by a well-known Australian music duo; and an artist in residence program.

"Arts grants are always very competitive, and this round was no different – we were inundated with applications. The consistently large number of proposals reflects the talent and passion of Fremantle’s creative industries," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Projects supported with a community grant included Auslan programs for playgroups and seniors; creating volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities at a native nursery; monthly friendship meetings for people with disabilities; mental health first aid training courses; and a drop-in centre for vulnerable community members.

This was the first time that youth grants had their own funding stream in the program, for initiatives that benefit 12 to 25-year-olds.

Successful projects included skateboarding clinics, music therapy and school resilience workshops and wellbeing days.

"These activities will give younger members of the community the opportunity to learn new skills, develop social connections and be physically and mentally healthier," Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

The next round of Creative Arts and Community grants will open in March 2024.  For more information visit fremantle.wa.gov.au/grants

Arts Grants

Generosity Arts – Ross Vegas and Jeannette Friesen

The West End’s Dark Corners

$7,500

Maybe Together – Alex Desebrock

Tree Listening

$7,500

Mama Kin Spender

Promises & Wild Beasts

$7,500

Nina Juniper

CURRENT Site-Specific Residencies and Public Exchange and Workshop Program

$2,500

Community Grants

APACE Aid Incorporated

Always Welcome: Nature meets Nurture

$7,500

Ability Heroes

Friendship Meetings

$3,700

Expression Australia

Community Program

$7,500

Inspire Community Services

Mental Health First Aid Training

$6,300, incl. $800 in kind

Fremantle Wesley Mission

Wesley Link

$2,000

PortCare Incorporated

CommUNITY Cheer

$3,000

Youth Grants

Palmerston Association Incorporation

Youth Music Therapy Group

$7494.73, incl. $904 in kind

Whereabouts Skateboarding & Headspace Fremantle

Community Reinforcement

$7,500

Armed For Life

Youth Resilience and Wellbeing Program

$7,500

Photo: Fremantle's Dark Corners by Ross Vegas and Generosity Arts