Creative WA: A 10 year vision to grow and sustain our creative ecosystem

Creative WA is a 10 year vision to grow and sustain thriving culture, arts and creative industries in Western Australia.

A small group of people stand in an art gallery looking at the Aboriginal artworks on display.

Photo: Artists and guests from Yinjaa Barni Art look at artworks on the opening night of the Revealed 2024 exhibition, Fremantle Arts Centre. May 2024. Photo by Ella McDonald. Image courtesy of AACHWA.

 

Creative WA provides the State Government’s vision for the future, as a roadmap to guide priorities and support for WA’s culture, arts and creative industries over the next 10 years.

The vision:

A vibrant, booming and sustainable creative ecosystem that celebrates and supports the highest ambitions of creative endeavour. Our cities and regions are the best places to live, work and learn because everyone can participate and benefit from culture, art and creativity.

Creative WA aims to grow Western Australia’s culture, arts and creative industries and contribute to the prosperity and diversity of the WA economy. 

There are three guiding principles outlined in Creative WA. That creativity is central to Western Australian life; that we need a partnership approach and to collaborate with others; and that we recognise the importance of equity and inclusivity.

There are three strategic priorities around which the actions and initiatives of Creative WA are designed. The vision aims to strengthen the creative, cultural and arts sector; share stories and celebrate place; and increase access and participation for all Western Australians.  

Finally, focus will be placed on the three spotlight communities, young people, First Nations peoples and those living in regional and outer metropolitan areas, with future initiatives taking these communities into account based on need and potential impact.  

The full vision, a 2-page overview showing the strategic priorities and initiatives and a glossary are provided below. 

Development of Creative WA

The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC) led the development of Creative WA with a working group comprised of people from across DLGSC and the Cultural Statutory Authorities as well as the Chamber of Arts and Culture Western Australia and an arts leadership group comprising key sector stakeholders. 

Stakeholder consultation was undertaken through an online survey, focus groups and written submissions. Targeted consultation and feedback were provided on the draft vision from government and sector representatives.

Implementation of Creative WA

DLGSC will lead the implementation of Creative WA over the next 10 years. DLGSC will work together across government and with the sector as initiatives are progressed to ensure the best outcomes for the sector and the state. Updates will be provided on this page. 

Following its release in late 2025, implementation of ‘Creative WA: A 10 year vision to grow and sustain our creative ecosystem’ is gaining momentum. 

The department has hosted information sessions to introduce the vision, its guiding principles, strategic priorities and spotlight communities. 

The sessions saw a positive turn out of community members to engage on how the WA Government will grow thriving creative industries that increasingly contribute to the prosperity and diversity of the WA economy.  

Creative WA information update  

 

Creative WA is now in the early stages of implementation and further Creative WA activities and details will be rolled out in stages. Updates will be provided on this page. 

Frequently asked questions 

1.What is the timeline for the delivery of the strategies referenced in Creative WA?   

Answer: Preliminary work has commenced on the 10 Year Cultural Infrastructure Plan and the WA Creative Industries Strategy. Work will be undertaken across government and with the sector as strategies are progressed to ensure the best outcomes for the sector and the state over the next 10 years.    

2. How much is allocated to the arts each year as part of Creative WA?   

Answer: The WA Government, Lotterywest and Healthway have jointly committed $54.06 million to fund key initiatives identified as short-term priorities over the next 3 years. A breakdown of these allocations is outlined in the WA Government’s media announcement.

3. How will key community groups be assessed under the Creative WA Fellowships and Internships program? Will other applicants still be eligible?    

Answer: Focus will be placed on the three spotlight communities, young people, First Nations peoples, and those living in regional and outer metropolitan areas.  Applications will be encouraged from these communities. This is not at the exclusion of WA’s many other communities - Creative WA is for all of us.  

Creative WA will grow the social and economic outcomes of the creative, cultural and arts sector for the benefit of all of WA. Further information on the details of the Fellowships and Internships program will be released prior to opening. 

4. Where can I find information about funding and eligibility? 

Answer: Funding eligibility will differ for each funding type. 

For information about funding delivered by DLGSC visit the funding pages on our website. To discuss eligibility for a specific project, please contact the Grants and Programs team via grantsprogramsca@dlgsc.wa.gov.au

For questions about funding delivered by Lotterywest please submit an Expression of Interest or contact the Lotterywest team on 133 777. 

5. Has there been consideration for arts education programs to increase the skilled workforce?   

Answer: The Department is working closely with training institutions and other government departments to support skills growth in the creative industries now and into the future. 

There are currently many training options on offer in the creative industries. View the range of courses on the Jobs and Skills website.
Page reviewed 19 May 2025