Developed in partnership with the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Shark Bay and Upper Gascoyne, and supported by the State Government and the Gascoyne Development Commission (GDC), the Plan represents a region-wide commitment to build a more visible, connected and sustainable arts and culture sector.
Spanning more than 135,000 square kilometres, the Gascoyne region is defined by its iconic landscapes, deep Aboriginal cultural knowledge, and vibrant communities.
While geographic isolation, limited infrastructure and resourcing challenges can restrict access to the arts, there is strong creative energy and community appetite to grow opportunities for participation, professional development, and cultural tourism.
Artwork on the Plan
The cover artwork draws together the land, sea and sky of the Gascoyne, reflecting the deep connection between culture, Country and community. Native animals, marine life and plant forms move across the composition, symbolising the region’s rich biodiversity and the stories that flow between inland, coastline and people.
The colour palette echoes the contrast of the Gascoyne landscape; red earth, turquoise waters and expansive skies.
Handprints and pathways speak to collaboration, collective responsibility and the many voices that shape the region’s creative future. Together, the artwork reflects connection across communities and local governments, celebrating the Gascoyne as a place where culture, creativity and collaboration are deeply embedded and continue to grow.
Meet the artist
Sadie James is an award-winning artist, author, and illustrator based on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast. As a Fine Art graduate, she holds a Master of Arts from Central St. Martins, London, and has taught art in the UK and Australia. Inspired by the reef and ranges of the North West Cape, she maintains a diverse arts practice including running a partnered gallery, creating large-scale murals, short film projects and has contributed to community arts events, supporting regional creative opportunities. Most recent work explores the healing properties of the Ocean and life lessons translated into visual metaphors.
@sadiejamesbubble
Key Statistics
During stakeholder consultation for the Gascoyne Regional Arts Plan
People surveyed
In-person think tank workshops completed
People attended think tanks
Schools involved
Targeted round table discussions
Arts and cultural practitioners engaged
Strategic Initiatives
Shaped through extensive consultation with over 300 community members, artists, organisations and local governments, the Plan sets out shared regional ambitions supported by three interconnected strategic pillars — Identity, Capacity and Investment, and Experience.
The Gascoyne Regional Arts Plan is currently being finalised with the final Plan due to be released in the first quarter of 2026.
Identity focuses on amplifying the Gascoyne’s creative voice, celebrating local stories, and embedding arts and culture in destination branding.
Capacity and Investment seeks to strengthen creative infrastructure, build professional pathways, and improve access to funding and partnerships.
Experience emphasises growing participation, events and year-round programming that engage residents and attract visitors.
