Future written for Goolarri Writers Program with Government funding

A Broome organisation aimed at championing Indigenous voices across the State’s north has received the financial backing to continue one of its most popular programs.

The Goolarri Media Enterprise Writers Program offers a series of writing workshops to nurture First Nations creatives so they can develop professional skills in stage and film writing.

Running since 2014, the program has helped launch the career of many successful writers including Kimberley playwright Melody Dia whose debut work FIFO: Fit In or F..k Off was performed on stage in 2020.

Culture and Arts Minister David Templeman announced a $56,000 grant would be awarded to the program as part of the McGowan Government’s Arts 15k-plus grant program.

Goolarri is one of 16 projects to receive a portion of almost $750,000 provided by the grant program, aimed at boost regional and metro artists working in dance, circus, writing and visual arts.

Mr Templeman said he is delighted a diverse range of project will be awarded the grants.

“The arts sector has seen such a raft of challenges over the past few years, and these grants programs are so important in supporting local artists,” he said.

“We know the impact that arts and culture have through increasing connection in communities, and I encourage people to get involved and see the outcomes of these projects where they can.”

The program invested an initial $3.2 million last financial year and is currently in round three of funding.