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.
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.
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.
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.
Fremantle Mayor Ben Lawver said:
“The new recording studio and performance space give our community more opportunities to make music, develop ideas and share their work. We want emerging artists, community groups and people taking their first steps in recording and performance to feel welcome here.
“Having these connected facilities at Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre means we can support artists from rehearsal through to recording and performance, helping them build skills, confidence and connections along the way.
“We thank the Australian Government for its investment in Fremantle’s creative future and in facilities that will help more people participate in our city’s rich musical and cultural life.”
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.
“I’ve always backed investment in the arts because creativity is part of Fremantle’s identity, which is why I was proud to secure $1.26 million from the Albanese Government to deliver this new Creative Hub.
Musician Abbe May said:
“This recording studio and performance hub not only increases practical support and opportunities for our local artists, it also affords awareness of a sincere and tangible respect for the artist’s needs and the artist’s value in society.
“It should not be underestimated how a sense of being genuinely respected and supported is an essential life force for a productive and happy artist.”
