URGENT UPDATE: Goolarri Media Enterprises in Broome has just secured a significant $30,000 grant from the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund to produce the powerful new play, Because We’re Blak, by renowned Nyul Nyul playwright Melody Dia. This exciting production is set to premiere in May 2026 and will tour the communities of Fitzroy Crossing and Derby.
This funding forms part of a larger initiative, with a total of $88,384 awarded to three key projects in the Kimberley region, aimed at bolstering artistic and cultural development. Goolarri Media, a stalwart supporter of Indigenous arts and media, will leverage the grant to empower local creatives and amplify the diverse voices of First Nations people through Ms. Dia’s impactful storytelling.
“These projects not only produce exceptional art but also stimulate local economies and strengthen community connections,”
said Ros Abercrombie, executive director of Regional Arts Australia. The play Because We’re Blak is set against the backdrop of Broome and reinterprets Ms. Dia’s live experiences, tackling urgent contemporary issues such as racism, prejudicial policing, and generational divides, all infused with humor and pathos.
In addition to Goolarri Media’s project, the Kimberley Arts Network (KAN) in Broome has received $28,630 to launch a Ceramics Studio Program. Clancy McDowell, KAN’s executive officer, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative, noting, “We can’t wait to get the ceramics centre up and running in 2026.” With a kiln installation and training programs now possible, KAN aims to meet high demand for ceramics education in the community.
Meanwhile, the Waringarri Arts Aboriginal Corporation in Kununurra has been awarded $29,754 to implement the Gelengajbenga-Woorr project, which will offer a series of workshops designed for emerging Aboriginal artists.
This funding is part of a national initiative that has allocated $1.76 million to support a total of 77 new creative projects across regional and remote Australia. The expected outcomes include the creation of 865 new jobs and engagement with over 14,700 participants, reaching a combined audience of more than 1.2 million people.
As these projects unfold, the impact on local communities will be profound, fostering creativity and cultural expression while also strengthening economic ties. Stay tuned for further developments as these exciting initiatives take shape in the Kimberley region.
