Arts and Culture
The Shire of Plantagenet has an exciting and active art and culture community.
This is supported by both the Shire's Art Collection and a range of public art initiatives including murals, competitions and community art programs. Read more below about the incredible and significant art and cultural works in our community.
Shire Art Collection
This collection contains many important works by renowned 20th century, Australian and Western Australian artists that make it one of the most significant local government art collections in Western Australia.
The Art Collection was founded in 1956 through a significant bequest of over 40 artworks from Sir Claude Hotchin. Over the years Hotchin continued to donate artworks. The last gift being in 1972. The total number of works gifted to the Shire is 56. Other works were acquired by the Shire on an ad-hoc basis until the establishment of the annual Shire of Plantagenet Art Acquisition in 1991.
The total collection includes some 91 pieces, the majority of which are on display at the Shire Library and Community Resource Center. Next time you are at the Library look up and around the walls and you will see some incredible works of art. You can also read the history of each artwork by asking at the Library Customer Services desk for more information.
To see our online catalog of art works click here: Art Collection
Community Art
The Shire is fortunate to have a wide range of interesting, colourful and attractive community artworks that residents and visitors can appreciate.
Mountains and Murals
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Public Art
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In 2019 the Shire of Plantagenet was lucky to have international artists the Walldogs visit our town and create a series of locally significant murals that celebrate and acknowledge our history and attractions. The Walldogs returned in 2022 and added several new murals to the collection!
You can read more mountains and murals to take you to the mural page and mural walk map.
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The Shire is slowly gathering some key pieces of public art, adding character and interest to the Town. These include the metal seat artwork on the corner of Lowood and Langton Road, by renowned local artist George Cork Corkscrew Gallery as well as the newest additions across the Porongurup Region the spider treasure hunt brought to you by Oyster Harbour Catchment Council. Keep your eyes peeled! |
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Community Groups and Facilities
The Shire is proud to support a wide range of active and creative community groups that foster a wide range of artistic and cultural efforts.
The Shire of Plantagenet's Community Directory enables a broad range of groups and services to be found, including those for artistic and cultural groups.
If you would like to submit a new listing, click here.
Mitchell House Community Arts Centre
The pink building on Albany highway, opposite the Mount Barker Visitors Centre
Local exhibitions open Friday, Saturday & Sundays 10-4. Tues, Wed, Thurs 10 - 2
Located on Albany Hwy in Mt Barker WA (across from old Railway Station)
This group offers a wide variety of activities including painting, art, craft, quilting, potting groups throughout the week
Visit the mitchell house facebook page here to see the latest activities
Old Police Station and Museum
Located at 31748 Albany Highway, Mount Barker, at the entry to Town opposite the first traffic pull in bay
Mount Barker has an incredibly rich historical heritage consolidated in our amazing old police station museum complex, making this a must see tourist attraction.
Arriving at the museum complex, visitors will be greeted with a range of main and out buildings all nested in beautiful landscaped gardens, with structures festooned in gorgeous and colourful creepers with delicate and aromatic flowers in season, giving very much a yesteryear village like experience. Anyone visiting the museum complex, especially those with an interest in historical heritage should set aside a few hours. There is an incredible range of historical artefacts, information and images spread through numerous buildings.
Community Events
Art In the Park
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Mount Barker Wildflower and Nature Photographic Competition
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‘Steel Feather’ by Kevin Draper. Photo Frank Rijavec
The first Art in the Park sculpture exhibition held in 2002 was initiated by the late Ann Burchell to raised funds to assist the Friends of the Porongurup Range with the purchase of a 511ha farming property now known as Twin Creeks Conservation Reserve.
Visit the Friends of Porongurup to find out more: Friends of Porongurup Art in Park
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Annually in October each year with entries displayed at Frost Oval Pavilion, Mc Donald Avenue, Mount Barker.
For more information contact Mount Barker Wildflower and Nature Competition David Aldred : 0478 162 997
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Bloom Festival
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Check out the great range of events and activities happening right across the region, including events right here in Plantagenet.
Staged across 9 shires and 26 communities, the festival celebrates the renewal of Spring focusing on the region’s wildflower tapestries, incredible landscapes & natural beauty providing unique experiences for an estimated 8,000 visitors from around the country.
Events include, but aren’t limited to, arts, crafts, displays, exhibitions, fauna & flora-themed activities, creative workshops, food events, markets, Noongar culture events, open gardens, wine & dine events, heritage trails, guided tours & hikes through the Stirling’s.
Find out more by visiting Bloom Festival Website
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