Perth city and the surrounding regions are alive with a rich and vibrant tapestry of history, art and culture. There is also an extraordinarily rich traditional and contemporary Indigenous culture, which encompasses all art forms including dance, music, visual arts & crafts, literature and oral history. The Western Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of Western Australia both maintain major exhibition galleries on indigenous culture and life in Western Australia.
Western Australia's indigenous artists are recognised world wide. In 2003 Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre coordinated the opening of the Perth International Arts Festival and in 2002, Yirra Yaakin Noongar Theatre toured productions to Brazil and Canada. They continue to produce original works each year.
Perth City
In the City of Perth - the pulsing heart of the state - you can lose yourself in the magic of rich cultural offerings at galleries, theatres and museums and Perth is gaining a well deserved reputation for its talented arts scene - the WA Ballet, Opera and Symphony orchestra alone are reason for Perth to boast.
The City's theatres include the impressively Edwardian His Majesty's Theatre, the acoustically magnificent Perth Concert Hall and the Playhouse Theatre. BOCS Ticketing is the major agency ticketing these venues.
The Perth Cultural Centre, north of the city, is home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the Western Australian Museum and the State Reference Library, which are open most days of the year. Innovative arts venues - the Perth Institute of Contemporary Art and the Blue Room Theatre are also located at the Cultural Centre. Independent art galleries in Perth include Form ( formerly CraftWest ), Greenhill Galleries, Creative Native and Artplace in the CBD, Glass Mad and Goddard de Fiddes in West Perth and the Holmes a Court Gallery overlooking the river in East Perth.
City of Perth Arts and Culture Map
Fremantle
South of the city in Fremantle, the cultural offerings continue with shows, galleries and brilliant displays of street art. Fremantle has long been renowned for its eclectic mix of arty and alternative people. Its streets buzz with the song of buskers, the side walks fill with a wild collection of art and music floats out from trendy cafes and bars.
Then of course, there are the museums and the heritage buildings - walk among Fremantle's buildings or through a museum and you can almost hear the echo of the convicts and settlers who landed near Fremantle shores more than two centuries ago.
Swan Valley
In common with all areas of natural beauty, the Swan Valley has attracted a community of talented artisans and you're sure to be moved by the rich and varied range of arts on offer. Galleries and art and craft shops range from well known and sprawling displays to out of the way treasures tucked away in some hidden corner or courtyard. Guildford, is particularly appealing with its heritage buildings, antique stores and arts scene.
Fundamental to the Swan Valley's culture and artistic evolution is its Aboriginal heritage. At the Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery you'll find a range of indigenous art. The gallery is also the base for Ngala Koondarm Boodjah cultural tours which offers visitors a fascinating insight into the Nyoongar people, their customs, history and stories.
Perth Hills
Perth Hills is home to many internationally acclaimed artists who use the stunning environment in which they live as inspiration for their work. These artists also gain inspiration for the rich heritage of the area, prevalent in historic character buildings, museums and heritage trails. The Mundaring Arts Centre is one of the State's largest community arts centres and is a major focus for local art. The gallery showcases a wide range of contemporary Western Australian art and craft.
In Kalamunda too, art is alive and well. The town library features the largest community-built stained glass window in Australia. The town also hosts a lively village market on the first Saturday of each month and features 140 stalls, many selling local arts and crafts.
Avon Valley
Amongst the beautiful old towns of the Avon Valley, one hour east of Perth, you can discover arts and crafts and a lively history. In York, WA's first inland European settlement, founded in 1831, you'll find quaint village streets and a range of interesting old buildings. Be sure to stop at historic gems like the Town Hall and the magnificent churches all lovingly restored. There are also many art galleries to visit.
Toodyay is rich in historic buildings, art and gorgeous scenery. In fact Toodyay has a wide range of resident artists whose works can be viewed in galleries, local businesses and the visitor centre.
In New Norcia, Australia's only monastic town, located north east of Perth, you will find a stunning collection of beautiful historical buildings, arts and fascinating culture. Be sure to stop in at the museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the monastery's history and showcases a selection of Aboriginal artifacts. The art gallery is just as appealing with works ranging from traditional religious art to funky contemporary pieces.
