Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture Plan

In 2019/20, the Shire worked on developing and implementing its first Arts and Culture Plan - Vibrant Communities

The aim of the Vibrant Communities Arts and Culture Plan is to build on the existing artistic networks and talents within the Shire.

Vibrant Communities Arts and Culture Plan is the first of its kind in the Shire of Dandaragan and is a key informing document that aims to provide a clear integrated approach to arts and cultural events, activities and public art within our Shire. The document reflects the values and individuality of our towns, proactively attracting the type of arts and cultural activities that allow the Shire to develop its own cultural statements.

In alignment with the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan, Vibrant Communities supports inclusive events that celebrate community and cultural spirit that brings community together. In addition, Vibrant Communities illustrates the capacity of arts, creativity and culture to enrich the vitality of the region, enhance its appeal to residents and visitors, increasing tourism and liveability within our Shire.

Vibrant Communities Arts and Culture Plan was informed by the community through a range of consultation opportunities including community workshops, in-person discussions, and surveys, and was developed in consultation with the arts, culture and heritage sectors, and in collaboration with a group of cultural leaders within the Shire’s community. Community consultation played a pivotal role in the project and ensured that the Vibrant Communities Arts and Culture Plan is grounded in local input.

The Plan was formally endorsed by Council at the 27 August 2020 Council meeting.

For a full copy of the Plan please click on the link:

Vibrant Communities Arts and Culture Plan

The Shire is now working on a Public Art and Percent for Art Policy draft to embed the recommendations of the Plan into the Shire's work in the arts/culture space.

We look forward to working with our arts communities around the Shire on creative projects to express the special nature of who we are and where we live.

Current Opportunities for Arts Practitioners

The Shire is inviting artists to express their interest in guiding and facilitating workshops with the community. This encompasses a wide variety of art forms, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, music, and performing. 

A register of artists will be maintained and serve as a valuable resource for the Public Arts Committee, facilitating communication and collaboration with artists across various disciplines. 

To express your interest in being added to the register, please email Kayla Jones, Community Development Officer, at cdo@dandaragan.wa.gov.au with the following;

• Contact information - name, address, mobile number, and email,
• Artistic discipline - i.e. pottery, metalwork, baking,
• Number of proposed workshops,
• Cost of delivering the workshops, and
• Whether you are a ratepayer within the Shire of Dandaragan. 

Art Groups

Artists, Galleries and Studios

Art Trails

Badgingarra is a wonderfully creative community and is home to the Badgingarra Art Trail.  The walk / cycle / art trail starts opposite the Badgingarra Community Centre on the corner of North West Road and Brand Highway - park in the golf course carpark.  The trail is 4.2 km long and you can ride your bicycle or walk along the trail stopping along the way to see art sculptures created by artist Natalie Tonkin and the local community.  The sculptures are a combination of metal and timber and are designed by hand to represent the Badgingarra community in all its' diversity.  The trail ends at the Vern Westbrook Walk which also includes quirky little sculptures made from scrap and created by local children.

Cervantes is home to many individual art pieces on both public, and hidden away on private, land.  Features include the Don Quixote Wind Vane and The Dhufish on Cervantes Road, El Cordoba Matador on Cordoba Way, and the Heron on a Pole beachside on Corunna Road.  Enjoy the surrealist Pinnacles mural at Catalonia Park - a collaboration between artist Euan McDougall and local students - while sipping coffee at the Seashells Cafe, or R Smith's historical mural beside the general store in Cadiz Street.  There are so many more art works to find in Cervantes so head to our local visitor centres in Cervantes or Jurien Bay for more information.