Local creatives take centre stage at Mandurah Arts Festival

Local artists, performers and community groups will be in the spotlight at this year's Mandurah Arts Festival, featuring across a month-long program of performances, workshops and creative experiences.

Running from 11 September to 11 October, the festival will showcase local talent alongside acclaimed artists from across WA and beyond, providing plenty of opportunities for residents to create, participate, share stories and connect, while learning new skills and experiencing new kinds of creativity.

Mayor Amber Kearns said the festival was a celebration of the people helping shape Mandurah's creative identity.

"We have so much creativity here in Mandurah, and the festival gives local artists, performers and community groups the chance to share their talents, tell their stories and connect with people,” she said.

"It's also a chance for our community to discover something new, support local creatives and celebrate the people who help make Mandurah the unique place it is."

Mayor Kearns said local participation was a key part of what made the festival unique, with organisations including Peel Produce Market and Mandurah Plein Air Artists Inc among those contributing to the program.

"Our local creative groups bring so much energy, talent and heart to the festival," she said.

"The festival is one of the many ways we connect and bring people together. It brings me so much joy that we can do this through creativity, celebrating local stories and providing opportunities for people to participate in our community."

Among those participating this year is Mandurah Arts and Crafts Society, which will take part in the festival for the first time with its Spring into Arts and Crafts workshops, which are designed to encourage people to learn new skills and connect with fellow makers.

A spokesperson for the society said members were excited to share their passion for arts and crafts with the wider community.

"We are a welcoming, creative community looking forward to sharing our skills and knowledge with the people of Mandurah," they said.

"We're looking forward to meeting new people, seeing the joy in their faces as they learn new skills and create something unique to them."

The Mandurah Concert Band will also return to the festival with a performance exploring connection to country, culture and community through music.

Developed in collaboration with First Nations artists, the show celebrates place and the shared experience of making music together.

A spokesperson for the Mandurah Concert Band said the festival provided an important opportunity to celebrate the role community arts organisations play in the city.

"Mandurah Arts Festival is one of the few moments each year where our whole community comes together to celebrate creativity in all its forms," they said.

“There’s something powerful about seeing a community ensemble step into a new chapter with humility and positive vibes. We are looking forward to that sense of shared pride."

The Mandurah Arts Festival will run from 11 September to 11 October with a range of performances, exhibitions, installations, workshops and creative experiences on offer.

For more information and festival updates, visit mandurahartsfestival.com.au.