Presenter, Creator, Supporter

Arts Margaret River is a not-for-profit community organisation that exists to support and nurture the work of artists across all disciplines, and to foster a love of the arts within the community.

Our primary funding from the AMR Shire and Lotterywest enables us to pay some of our running costs, but the breadth of our program is dependent on our ticket income, our sponsors and our generous donors.

In 2021 we delivered 17 events, including opera, live theatre, and comedy, attracting a total audience of almost 14,000, from the local community and beyond. We also collaborated with Capecare in Dunsborough to establish their art collection. This resulted in 25 artworks being purchased from 19 local artists.

However, the signature event for us remains our iconic Readers & Writers Festival. The festival is growing in popularity every year. The audience has increased from just over 5400 in 2016 to 9500 in 2021.

This year, as part of our response to COVID restrictions, we offered a significant expansion of our online presence, including podcasts, short films, and the extensive use of social media. In 2022 we are developing further new initiatives, including the establishment of a Fringe Festival for emerging local voices.

It takes many hours – and costs a bomb – to make a festival look easy, but we do it because it is an important part of our community. As a regional festival, the costs associated with presenting the program are mammoth – not just for artistic content, but also for the many activities that give back financially to our community.

If you like the work we’re doing and want to support the growth of the festival, consider making a tax-deductible donation. 

Your support is vital in helping us to continue to encourage, support and celebrate the Readers and Writers Festival, and the entire program of Arts Margaret River, in 2022 and beyond.

Thank you.