The curtain has closed on the Wearable Art Mandurah competition.
A vote at Tuesday night's council meeting saw the decade long program canned due to rising costs to deliver the event, a decrease in local participation and a minimal economic impact.
Deputy Mayor Caroline Knight said Wearable Art Mandurah would be farewelled following an exhibition of selected 2022 garments at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah in February 2023.
“After careful consideration and thought, it is with a heavy heart that Council has made the difficult decision not to continue the event,” Councillor Knight said.
“Wearable Art has engaged an enthusiastic following among artists, designers and creatives, however with a declining number of local people entering and reduced audience numbers, we had to take a realistic view of this event into the future.”
The annual budget to deliver the program is over $300,000 and in recent years the event has experienced escalating costs which, were expected to continue rising.
Council’s decision included that this budget would be reinvested into new arts priorities and initiatives aligned with the new Arts and Culture Strategy, due for Council consideration early next year.
“We would like to sincerely thank and recognise the artists, designers, community, staff and everyone involved in Wearable Art Mandurah for their outstanding efforts and contributions over the years, particularly those who played such a big part in the early years in establishing this event,” Cr Knight said.
Pop-up ice skating rink glides back into Mandurah for winter school holidays
Federal opposition leader Angus Taylor sits down with local business owners in Mandurah
Police search for missing man last seen leaving Rockingham Hospital
West Aussies urged to be on high alert after surge in winter house fires
New $3.4 million boardwalk to be constructed at Lake Clifton thrombolites
City of Mandurah rolls out new tactile bin lids, accessibility stickers to support residents with low vision
Driver dies in hospital after Australind crash
Welfare concerns for woman with dementia last seen in Cooloongup
Charges laid over fatal West Coolup crash