Bunbury Fringe and filmmaker named in Federal Government regional arts grants

Several South West organisations have been named among recipients of $250,000 worth of Federal regional arts grants. Bunbury Fringe will receive $25,000 for its 2025 event which will run for eight days and feature 42 performances. South West filmmaker Chanel Bowen will get $30,000 to help produce a documentary, Hard As Puck about a squad of West Australian para-ice hockey players. A $30,000 grant will also go the way of local singer Codee-Lee Down to record, mix and master new music with producer James Newhouse. Regional Arts WA chief executive officer Pilar Kasat said it was crucial to support regional arts. “These projects represent the dynamic creativity of regional Western Australia, bringing communities together and empowering local artists to share their unique stories with the world,” she said. Federal Arts Minister Tony Burke said the funding would help support creative projects in the regions. “Regional Australia has a thriving and diverse arts ecosystem, and this funding will help support artists and arts workers (to) navigate it to maintain sustainable careers and reach their creative potential,” he said.