Friday, April 26, 2024

#FreoFinds new life for old shops

City of Fremantle Council has launched a street gallery series that will see empty shops converted into pop-up street galleries around the CBD.

Partnered with WA Arts Network and membership organisation Artsource, the Street Gallery Fremantle Project looks to create attractive spaces for potential tenants whilst showcasing Fremantle’s local creatives.

The first series will be located at the unoccupied store front on 13–19 Williams Street – a site previously occupied by retailer, Best & Less.

Fremantle Mayor, Hannah Fitzhardinge said the project was a unique selling point for businesses wishing to invest in Fremantle.  

“The installations are fully curated and can be removed within a 24-hour notice if a prospective tenant wishes to view or lease the premises,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“The aim of the project is to support local artists and creative industries while also redeveloping the vacant shops at the same time. With the artworks for sale, it will also provide affordable gallery spaces for creatives to sell and display their work.

“We want to attract potential tenants with the visual appeal and aesthetic and highlight Fremantle’s strong connection with the creative sector.”

Artists on display are Banyji Cheedy, represented by Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation; Ian de Souza, Jo Gray, Michael Knight, Alessandra Rossi, Arif Satar, Audrey Satar, and Mary Watson represented by Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation.

Artsource is WA’s leading visual arts network and membership organisation for artists, championing Western Australia’s visual arts community through professional resources for artists, advocacy, facilities, studios, tailored insurance, and a host of other services. 

The Street Gallery Fremantle Project builds on the success of the City’s #FreoFinds campaign, partnered with the Fremantle Chamber of Commerce.

#FreoFinds aims to activate vacant shopfront windows into creative and vibrant spaces that encourages visitors to discover and connect with Fremantle.

For more information on Artsource visit their website.

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