- More than $1 million invested in creative
wellbeing programs for WA young people
- New funding supports arts-focused projects to support
mental and social and emotional wellbeing
- 18 projects funded across metropolitan and
regional WA
Young people across
Western Australia are set to benefit from a new round of creative programs aimed
at supporting mental, social and emotional wellbeing, as well as strengthening
community connections.
The Creativity and
Wellbeing for Young People Program is a partnership between the Cook Government
and Healthway, designed to engage young people in meaningful arts experiences that
build confidence, encourage self-expression and resilience.
The program empowers
local artists and creative organisations to connect with communities, offering
young people ongoing, hands-on arts activities that promote mental, social and
emotional wellbeing.
Originally launched as a
pilot in 2024, the program provided $600,000 in funding to eight organisations.
These projects not only improved young people's wellbeing but also created
long-term employment opportunities for artists.
This year, more than $1
million has been awarded to 18 projects, highlighting the powerful impact that
meaningful and ongoing creative experiences can have on young people's
development.
Successful applicants for
this round include:
- Arts Margaret River - $47,900 for Experimental
Youth Storytelling
- Ashlyn Jada Koh (First Block Sounds) - $34,709
for The Young Women of Mowanjum
- Black Swan State Theatre Company - $75,000 for Regional
Holiday Workshop
- Breaksea Inc - $75,000 for 2026 Regional
Youth Ensembles
- City of Melville - $75,000 for BlakSounds
- Community Arts Network - $75,000 for Noongar
Nursery Rhymes
- Constable Care - $75,000 for Reel Talk
- Curate - $60,000 for Music Makers Just for
Minis
- Ellenbrook Arts Centre - $75,000 for My
Story, My World
- Fleur Hockey - $52,155 for The 'Level Up
Program'
- Globe Town Project - $17,295 for StoryLab
Teen Writers Program
- MilkTooth - $75,000 for Comics-Making
- Rachel Riggs - $69,000 for The HOME Program
- RTR FM - $59,343 for Breaking Sound Barriers
- Shire of Carnarvon - $75,000 for Carnarvon
Creative Sparks
- Southern Edge Arts - $75,000 for Kwoorabup/Denmark
Workshop
- Wyndham Youth Aboriginal Corporation - $47,600
for Wyndham Youth Engagement
- Woodlupine Family Centre - $25,890 for Youth
Mural Project
More
information on the Creativity and Wellbeing for Young People Program and
upcoming opportunities is available here.
Comments attributed to Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"This is about expanding
access to culture, art and creativity for young people - especially those who
might not otherwise have the opportunity.
"Creative expression can
be a powerful tool for building resilience, confidence and wellbeing in young
people especially when it's embedded in their local communities.
"This program is about
more than creativity - it's about giving young people across WA the chance to
connect, thrive and feel seen through meaningful, hands-on artistic
experiences.
"We are advancing both
the arts and the health of young Western Australians - investing in programs
that deliver meaningful outcomes and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant
future for our communities."
Comments attributed to
Preventative Health Minister Sabine Winton:
"It is important that
Western Australian young people have access to creative and inclusive initiatives
that support their mental health - and that's exactly what this program
delivers.
"Through music, storytelling,
performance and visual art, these projects give young people space to express
themselves, build self-esteem and feel part of something bigger.
"This partnership ensures
young people across WA can access mental wellness support that's engaging,
empowering and backed by evidence."
