Lower South West joins regional arts hub network

A Lower South West arts collective has been selected to join a network of regional art hubs across the State. Northcliffe-based Southern Forest Arts was announced as one of two new hubs for Regional Arts WA’s Regional Arts Network last week. The new hub will connect arts groups and individuals across the Shires of Manjimup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes, Nannup and Boyup Brook, to explore ideas of collaboration and creativity in the region. SFA general manager and artistic director Fiona Sinclair, pictured, said it was fantastic for the region to have representation in a Statewide network. “We’ve started connecting and communicating with arts organisations and local government representatives from the four shires that are going to participate in the hub,” she said. “It’s really about looking for ways we can be more collaborative and strategic with how we create positive impacts for our communities. “Instead of always doing things in isolation, I think that there’s a lot of strength that we can get from working together.” Gardiner Street Arts Collective in the Wheatbelt was also selected to join the network. Regional Arts WA chief executive Paul MacPhail said he was delighted to announce the two additions to the network. “We are looking forward to working with Gardiner Street Arts Collective and Southern Forest Arts to further strengthen their relationships in their communities, while connecting them back to this growing Statewide network,” he said. “We believe the sector will be stronger, more connected, creative and capable when people have the opportunity to work together and share knowledge, and we are thrilled to partner with hub organisations who have this same vision.” SFA will be holding its first networking event as the new hub at The Rabbit Hole in Bridgetown on July 26.