Arts Margaret River Incorporated was established in 1974 as the Augusta-Margaret River Arts Council due to the need for an umbrella group to provide support and advocacy for community organisations such as the Margaret River Choral Group, the Spinners & Weavers Group, the Margaret River Art Group, and individual art practitioners.
History
As well as supporting these groups the organisation sought to bring arts, and in particular theatre and music to Margaret River. In the early days members who enjoyed music would finish their day’s work, drive to the Perth Concert Hall, frock up in the car-park and then return home in the early hours.
In responding to community requests, Arts Margaret River has stepped in to help establish groups such as the Margaret River Artisans and the Augusta Arts Council, only to step back once they have gone on to flourish in their own right.
Many community based events such as the Margaret River Wine Festival and the Rotary Artwork competition and exhibition have grown from projects initially nurtured by Arts Margaret River.
From 2014 to 2020 Arts Margaret River managed the Margaret River Cultural Centre on behalf of the Augusta Margaret River Shire. The Cultural Centre underwent major renovation in 2018-2019. During this time Arts Margaret River presented our program of live touring theatre shows in various local venues around town and moved our office to the Margaret River Community Centre.
In January 2020 the Augusta Margaret River Shire took over the management of the newly renovated and renamed, Margaret River HEART.
From January 2023 Arts Margaret River will operate Nala Bardip Mia – Margaret River HEART as part of a new co-managed arts and cultural hub, in partnership with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
In 2024 former President, Heather Locke OAM, published a comprehensive history of Arts Margaret River.