More than a festival: Why the arts matter in Mandurah

Mayor Amber Kearns, City of Mandurah

As Mayor, I have the privilege of witnessing many of the things that make our community special. But few things capture the heart and spirit of a place quite like the arts.

For me, creativity is far more than painting a canvas, performing on a stage, or creating something beautiful. It is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression we have. It helps us tell our stories, celebrate what makes us unique, be innovative, and connect with one another in ways that words alone often cannot.

That is why I am so passionate about supporting the arts in our city and why I am excited to see the return of the Mandurah Arts Festival from 11 September to 11 October 2026.

Across five incredible weeks, our community will have the opportunity to engage with more than 40 events, activities, exhibitions, performances, workshops, installations, live music experiences and creative projects right across the city. The festival is a celebration of not only creativity, but also the diverse people, perspectives and stories that make Mandurah such a vibrant place to live.

What excites me most about the arts is its unique ability to bring people together.

In a world that can often feel increasingly busy and disconnected, the arts invite us to slow down, see things from a different perspective and share experiences. It invites us to pause, reflect, imagine and engage. It helps strengthen the social fabric of our community by creating opportunities for belonging, connection and participation.

I have always been an admirer of our local creatives. Our artists, performers, musicians, makers and storytellers contribute so much to the character and identity of Mandurah. They help us see our community through a different lens and often challenge us to think more deeply about who we are and the stories that shape us.

The Mandurah Arts Festival is an opportunity to celebrate these talented individuals and the immense value they bring to our city.

This year, we will also see the creation of two new permanent murals, adding to Mandurah's growing public art collection. These works will draw on local stories, culture, landscapes and community identity, creating lasting visual reminders of who we are and what we value.

Public art is much more than decoration. It tells stories. It creates a sense of place. It transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning and connection. Most importantly, it helps communities see themselves reflected in the spaces they share.

These new murals form part of the City's Arts and Culture Strategy 2023-2028 and our commitment to expanding public art throughout Mandurah. With a goal of installing 10 public art pieces over five years, these murals will become the seventh and eighth pieces delivered under that vision.

Earlier this year, Council also endorsed a new Public Art Policy, recognising the important role public art plays in placemaking and the creation of welcoming public spaces. Community feedback has consistently highlighted the value of public art in reflecting local identity, culture, stories and aspirations while fostering a stronger sense of ownership and pride in shared community spaces.

As Mayor, I see arts and culture not as a luxury, but as an essential part of building healthy, connected and thriving communities. They strengthen our economy, contribute to our sense of identity and create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to participate, learn and grow.

On a personal level, I am deeply grateful to every artist, performer, volunteer, organiser and participant who contributes their time, talent and passion to making the arts such an important part of our community. Your creativity enriches our city in ways that cannot always be measured, but are felt deeply by those who experience it.

My hope is that this festival not only celebrates the incredible creative talent we already have, but also inspires others to step forward and share their own gifts. Creativity lives within every community and every person. Sometimes all it takes is an invitation, an opportunity or a little encouragement for that creativity to emerge.

For me, the Mandurah Arts Festival is exactly that invitation.