West Coast Seed Funding Program

A photo of an art gallery displaying DRAGLINE, a project that got SEED funding in 2022.

The West Coast Seed Funding Program supported early-stage projects by artists and creatives connected to the West Coast of Lutruwita/Tasmania.

The program offered modest, catalytic funding to assist with idea development, research, or early testing—supporting work that explored connection to place, community, and the region’s layered histories. While no longer running in this form, the program’s spirit lives on in the practices and projects it helped spark.

In addition to funding, the program also offered free one-on-one support sessions with an independent consultant, helping artists and creatives strengthen their grant writing skills and prepare applications.

What We Achieved

Between 2018 and 2023, the West Coast Seed Funding Program:

Supported 38 artists and collectives
Provided a total of $70,392 in funding to West Coast initiatives
Enabled artists to spend focused time developing or testing ideas connected to the West Coast
Created pathways for some projects to evolve into larger commissions, public outcomes, or ongoing relationships with the region

This light-touch, flexible funding model demonstrated the power of small-scale investment in ambitious, place-responsive creative practice.

Supporters

Funded Artists and Projects

Over six years, the West Coast Seed Funding Program supported a rich variety of creative activity across the region. Projects included visual arts exhibitions, music recording and performance, podcast and publication development, community festivals, and the establishment of new creative spaces. Artists used the funding to purchase equipment, test new ideas, travel for workshops and research, and collaborate with local communities. These small but strategic investments helped build the creative capacity of the West Coast and strengthen connections between artists and place.

We gratefully acknowledge the artists, creatives, and community members whose ideas, energy and commitment shaped the program’s legacy.

From 2018 to 2023, the following individuals and collectives were supported through the West Coast Seed Funding Program:

2023
The Galley Museum, Linda Cafe, Nick Maher, Penghana Bed & Breakfast, Grace Garton, Yvania Bartholomeusz, FFACZ & The M+Opera

2022
Alexander Bloem, Alan Jennison, Bob Cartledge Jnr, Emmalie Kyle, PressWEST, Teri Young, Renate van Riet, Billie Lee Martin and Jude Devereaux

2021
Teri Young, Queen River Woodworks, Rosebery Festival, Pete and Lynda Purcell, PressWEST, Jenny Groves, Chris Burton

2020
PressWEST, Pete and Lynda Purcell, Peter Winskill, Q West Community Gallery, Tony Weare, Chris Wilson, Bob Cartledge, Queen River Woodworks

2019
Emmalie Kyle, Mary Burns, Gary Taylor, Q West Community Gallery, Rosebery Festival

2018
Maggie Johnson and Darren MacQueen, Kelly Jones, Marc Pricop and Tahlia McDermott, Q West Community Gallery

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