Fremantle’s next generation of creative talent has a new home, with the opening of the Mayakowa recording studio and Malo performance space at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre (WFAC).
Designed for community members, emerging artists and creatives, the investment will help people taking their first steps in music, recording and performance, and strengthen Fremantle’s role and reputation as one of Australia’s most productive breeding grounds of creative talent and cultural output.
At the heart of the hub are a new recording studio and an intimate performance and rehearsal space within the heritage-listed arts centre. Together, they provide facilities for local artists and community members to develop, rehearse, record and share their work.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said the new space provides more opportunities for the community to make music, create podcasts, develop soundscapes and share their work.
“We want emerging artists, community groups and people taking their first steps in recording and performance to feel welcome here.
“We thank the Australian Government for its investment in Fremantle’s creative future.”
Delivered with a $1.26 million commitment by Josh Wilson MP and the Australian Government, the project responds directly to the needs of the Fremantle creative community in nurturing the next generation of local artists and the next evolution of this legendary music venue.
Federal Member for Fremantle, Josh Wilson said Fremantle has long been one of Australia’s great incubators of original artists, musicians and creative talent.
“From local bands and independent musicians to visual artists and performers, our community has an extraordinary track record of producing creative work that resonates far beyond Freo and Western Australia and this project will help ensure that tradition continues for generations to come.”
The first-floor recording studio consists of a recording room, sound booth and control room, equipped with a full suite of state-of-the-art recording equipment to support music and sound production. It is named Mayakowa, meaning “echo” or “returning voice” in Nyoongar language.
The ground-floor performance space is named Malo, meaning “shadow.” It features upgraded sound, lighting and audiovisual equipment for rehearsals and small performances, and technical connection the recording studio.
A newly renovated green room and accessible ground-floor workshop provide additional areas for collaboration and community activities, funded by the City of Fremantle.
Musician Abbe May said, “This recording studio and performance hub not only increases practical support and opportunities for our local artists, but it also affords awareness of a sincere and tangible respect for the artist’s needs and the artist’s value in society.”
The inaugural artists and projects are supported through a $90,000 sponsorship from Bendigo Bank’s Fremantle Community Bank. Artists include Kobi Arthur Morrison, Susie Waller, Jemma King, Adriano Cappelletta, Willow Fearns and Soundtrakx (Ray Tanielu), who will be among the first to use the new recording studio.
These first projects will bring the hub to life, highlighting the role of community partnerships in supporting local talent, creative development and collaboration.
Workshops, artist residencies and community partnerships will create opportunities to build confidence, develop creative skills and connect with fellow artists, with accessibility central to its operation.
The City of Fremantle through WFAC will operate the facilities with booking information available soon.
