Shelagh Magadza

A former artistic director of the Perth Festival is returning to Western Australia to become executive director of the Chamber of Arts and Culture WA

More than a decade spent working with international arts festivals in Perth and New Zealand has given Shelagh Magadza a unique insight into how culture and the arts reflect the societies in which they exist.

Arts funding was on the menu at a business breakfast co-sponsored by Business News and Screenwest this week, with panelist Ben Elton advocating development of a film studio in Perth to boost the sector.

The Chamber of Arts and Culture WA has announced a new chairperson and the departure of Janet Holmes a Court from its board.

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.

Arts organisations are cautiously planning how they might perform and interact once restrictions are lifted.

The Art Gallery of WA Foundation and the gallery's board have announced a $1.5 million package for Western Australian artists represented in the State Art Collection and Aboriginal art centres across the state.

The state government has set up an advisory group, with executives from more than 20 businesses and community groups, to provide advice on the impacts of COVID-19 and measures to help economic recovery.

Denied the ability to perform or present their work during COVID-19 lockdown, arts organisations and independent artists in Western Australia have been investing their time navigating a range of recent funding initiatives.

Greater attention to planning and land use will be integral for the Perth Cultural Centre once the state’s museum reopens in November.

It’s not clear how much value taxpayers might get from Labor’s $100 million film studio election promise, but the film industry says it will give the state an edge.

Artists are putting pressure on arts organisations to think more carefully about where their funds come from.

The arts need to implement programs to remove barriers to access for young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, according to economist Michael Dockery.

Julia Redwood says the local film sector should proceed with caution over a proposal to build a movie hub in Fremantle.

Chamber of Arts and Culture WA boss Shelagh Magadza is joining the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries as executive director of arts and culture.

Nine members, including Morgan Solomon and Janelle Marr, have been appointed to the Arts and Culture Trust board, the body replacing the Perth Theatre Trust.