A new recording studio and performance space at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre is set to help nurture the next generation of Fremantle musicians and artists, with the Creative Hub now officially opened by Josh Wilson MP and Freo Mayor Ben Lawver.
Funded through a $1.26 million Australian Government investment secured by Fremantle MP Josh Wilson, the project has transformed part of the heritage-listed arts centre into a dedicated space for recording, rehearsing, performing and creative collaboration.
The hub includes a purpose-built recording studio, named Mayakowa (“echo” or “returning voice” in Nyoongar language), featuring a recording room, sound booth and control room equipped for professional music and sound production.
A connected ground-floor performance and rehearsal venue, Malo (“shadow”), features upgraded sound, lighting and audiovisual technology and can be linked directly to the recording studio.
The facility is aimed at emerging artists, community groups and people taking their first steps into recording and live performance.
The musician singing in the studio is Drea. In the outdoors group photo, L-R: Pete Stone, Director Creative Arts and Community, City of Fremantle, Abbe May, Singer/songwriter, Josh Wilson, Ben Lawver, Mayor of Fremantle, ‘Ofa Fotu – Creative Programs Lead, City of Fremantle, Kobi Arthur Morrison, an inaugural artist to use the studio
Josh Wilson said Fremantle had long been one of Australia’s leading incubators of artistic talent.
“Fremantle has an extraordinary track record of producing creative work that resonates far beyond Freo and Western Australia,” he said.
“I was proud to secure $1.26 million from the Albanese Government to deliver this new Creative Hub.”
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said the new facilities would help artists develop their skills from rehearsal through to recording and performance.
“We want emerging artists, community groups and people taking their first steps in recording and performance to feel welcome here,” he said.
Local musician Abbe May welcomed the investment, saying it provided both practical opportunities and recognition of the value artists bring to the community.
“It should not be underestimated how a sense of being genuinely respected and supported is an essential life force for a productive and happy artist,” she said.
The project supported an estimated 42 jobs during consultation and construction and is expected to create further employment through the operation and programming of the hub.
The City of Fremantle will operate the facility through Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, with workshops, artist residencies and community partnerships planned to support creative development and community participation.
The first artists to use the new studio include Kobi Arthur Morrison, Susie Waller, Jemma King, Adriano Cappelletta, Willow Fearns and Soundtrakx (Ray Tanielu), with their projects supported through sponsorship from Bendigo Bank’s Fremantle Community Bank.
For a city that has produced artists such as Spacey Jane, Abbe May, Noah Dillon and Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks, the new hub is being pitched as an investment in Fremantle’s next wave of creative talent.
*By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News. Images supplied.
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