A Lotterywest grant of $145,000 is supporting the City of Fremantle’s festival program 2025-2026 that reveals stories of Walyalup/Fremantle and provides vital social connections to Western Australians.
The Fremantle International Street Arts Festival (April 2026) received $25,000, Fremantle Festival: 10 Nights in Port (August 2026) received $70,000, and Wardarnji (recently delivered in November 2025) received $50,000 in a presentation by Hon Simone McGurk MLA, Minister for Creative Industries to City of Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver at Walyalup Koort.
The City’s annual festival program works with local artists, venues, and businesses to provides employment and presentation opportunities to the creative industries, as well as offering free and paid community arts and cultural experiences.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said that the festival programs are crucial creative activity for strengthening the social fabric of local communities and deepening our sense of belonging.
“The City’s festival program employs artists and cultivates live moments for social connection, harnessing the ability to bring people together for shared experiences.
“It celebrates what is unique and special about Walyalup/Fremantle, and thanks to Lotterywest support we can increase the visibility and accessibility of these events.
“Arts and culture are central to Freo’s identity, and it’s that creativity that brings our community together,” Mayor Lawver said.
“The Fremantle Festival program cements Freo’s status as a centre for culture and the arts, bringing thousands of visitors into town,” said Minister McGurk.
“This year’s festival program reflects the stories of Walyalup/Fremantle as well as Western Australia, offering cultural experiences that celebrate diversity, community, and unity.
“It creates opportunities for the community to come together for meaningful and incredible moments,” she added.
Lotterywest supports the City of Fremantle in celebrating the rich heritage of Walyalup/Fremantle and community connection through arts and cultural activities.
