Art and Culture in Perth: Galleries, Fringe World and the WA Scene

Perth has a creative and cultural scene that has benefited from significant resources and a geographic isolation that has encouraged its own distinctive artistic identity. The Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum are the flagship institutions, both free and in the Perth Cultural Centre precinct. The Perth Concert Hall and His Majesty's Theatre on King Street are the main performing arts venues for the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Opera and Ballet. The Fremantle Arts Centre in a heritage building at Fremantle runs free exhibitions, markets and live music events. Fringe World Festival (January-February) is Perth's largest arts festival and transforms the city's parks, buildings and public spaces with hundreds of performances. Perth Festival (February-March) is the longer-established arts festival with significant international and national programming. The Subiaco Arts Centre and the Regal Theatre in Subiaco are active community and independent performing arts venues. PICA (Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts) on James Street is the city's leading contemporary arts space.