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October 27, 2006
WA arts project named nation’s best
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An ongoing partnership between the Fremantle Arts Centre and Alcoa has won a second arts award in as many months, taking out top honour at the national Australian Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) Awards.
The highly prestigious AbaF Awards, which recognise excellence in private sector-arts relationships, were awarded last night in Melbourne with Fremantle Arts Centre and Alcoa named the best community arts partnership in Australia for 2006.
It was the partners’ shared vision for community access to the arts in the south west of Western Australia that has led to the success of the twelve year partnership.
The key program of the partnership, known as ‘in the community’ has brought an enhanced sense of community to south west towns, inspiring residents to develop their own art projects in ways that capture the uniqueness of their place.
In the past nine years the program has produced 57 separate artworks, with participation coming from all corners of the community including local organisations, schools, seniors, indigenous groups and artists.
These artworks have not only contributed to building community capacity, they now provide an enduring and accessible legacy for future generations of West Australians.
Alcoa Managing Director Wayne Osborn said that although Alcoa and Fremantle Arts Centre had received the award, the real winners were the communities that had benefited from the program.
“As a predominantly regional employer and operator, Alcoa is committed to the long-term sustainability of the communities where we live and work.
“We believe that by supporting the social, cultural and artistic life of our regions we are helping to build cohesive, healthy and connected communities where people are encouraged to stay and to visit.”
Fremantle Arts Centre General Manager Jim Cathcart said the secret to the success of the partnership was the vision both organisations shared for the local community.
“Fremantle Arts Centre wants to increase the engagement and enjoyment of art in the regional community, said Mr Cathcart.
“This partnership is an excellent vehicle for that, and has led to new and cooperative relationships between local government, the indigenous community, schools, community organisations, regional towns, regional artists and industry.
“These new and broader community relationships are testimony to the significance and importance of this type of investment and partnership between industry and the arts in regional WA”.
The annual AbaF Awards honour the most innovative and beneficial private sector-arts relationships and leaders who have created inspirational examples of engagement between the private sector and the arts. For more information visit www.abaf.org.au
Media contact:
Libby Archell
Alcoa Corporate Affairs
9316 5290
Robyn Fergusson
Fremantle Arts Centre
9432 9564
Related Links
Minister congratulates national award winners
Read the Hon Sheila McHale's, Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Tourism and the Arts, media release
 go
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