Growing Audiences for First Nations Performing Arts in Regional WA

Audience Development Strategy: Growing Audiences for First Nations Performing Arts in Regional WA (2026-2028)

Rationale

First Nations cultural traditions are deeply rooted and vibrant across regional Western Australia (WA). However, First Nations performing arts remain significantly underrepresented in regional touring circuits and venue programming.

Many regional venues acknowledge their lack of long-term, community-led audience development strategies that are both culturally safe and co-designed with First Nations communities. This absence contributes to low First Nations attendance and limited opportunities for non-First Nations audiences to engage with meaningful cultural experiences.

Strategy Overview

This three-year Audience Development Strategy aims to address the limitations of current ad hoc responses by venues through the implementation of a coordinated, statewide approach.

It will embed First Nations leadership, foster genuine community partnerships, and deliver high-quality touring productions tailored to the unique contexts of regional WA.

The long-term outcomes and objectives include developing culturally safe, inclusive, and sustainable audience development models that increase attendance by First Nations peoples, expand engagement among non–First Nations audiences, and strengthen venue capacity for meaningful, ongoing cultural engagement.

Partner Venues

The Strategy will be collaboratively delivered by CircuitWest and four regional partner venues across WA.

Following an open Expressions of Interest process and careful selection by a panel of respected First Nations-led production companies, the following four Partner Venues demonstrated strong cultural readiness and genuine community engagement. They are:

• Arts Margaret River – based at Nala Bardip Mia / Margaret River HEART, the centre has strong relationships that support Wadandi cultural knowledge and community-led programming.
• Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre (BREC) – a leading multi-theatre venue with a strong track record in First Nations engagement, including an Elder in Residence and the upcoming launch of a First Nations Audience Ambassador Program.
• Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre – a multi-purpose community hub with an established and respectful relationship with the Harvey Aboriginal Corporation.
• Matt Dann Theatre & Cinema – a performing arts venue located on Kariyarra land, Port Hedland and serving a culturally diverse community and supporting Kariyarra, Ngarla and Nyamal Peoples.

Long-Term Outcomes and Objectives

Growing Audiences for First Nations Performing Arts in Regional Western Australia by:

• Increasing First Nations Audience Attendance and Engagement
• Growing Non-First Nations Audience Awareness and Attendance
• Embedding First Nations Leadership in Venue Programming
• Developing Scalable First Nations-Led Audience Development Methodology

Audience Development Strategies

Strategy 1 – Embed First Nations Leadership and Cultural Guidance in Venues

• Each Partner Venue supports the establishment of an Elder‑in‑Residence or Cultural Circle model.
• CircuitWest employs First Nations Audience Development Coordinators

Strategy 2 – Curate High-Quality First Nations Touring Seasons Anchored by National and State-based Work

• Each Partner Venue presents at least one national First Nations production per year
• Each Partner Venue presents at least one WA-based First Nations work per year

Strategy 3 – Design Inclusive Audience Engagement and Participation Programs

• Each Partner Venue develop tailored, culturally safe access and engagement activities for each First Nations tour
• Each Partner Venue develop educational materials and programs for non-First Nations audiences
• Each Partner Venue builds strategic partnerships to grow audiences

Strategy 4 – Build Venue Capacity for Culturally Safe Practices and Long-Term Audience Development

• Each Partner Venue delivers training and professional development for venue staff
• Each Partner Venue develops an annual bespoke Audience Development Plan
• CircuitWest facilitates knowledge sharing and networking opportunities

Strategy 5 – Implement First Nations-Led Evaluation and Feedback Frameworks

• Use Evaluation to Continuously Improve Programming and Engagement
• CircuitWest work with the Partner Venues to publish an Audience Development and Cultural Practice Framework

This project is proudly supported by Creative Australia, Playing Australia, Multi-Year Investment Program for three years, from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028.