About Us
About Us - The Heart Story
The HEART Story
With a rich connection to its thriving arts and cultural community, Margaret River has become the heart of the South West region’s creative industries scene. Renowned for its vibrant and diverse activities, Margaret River is a growing destination for many creatives, entertainers and businesses both locally and worldwide.
To accommodate the increasing needs of residents and visitors within the region, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River redeveloped the 35-year-old former Cultural Centre into the Margaret River HEART – a new state of the art Hub of Entertainment, Arts and Regional Tourism, which opened in late 2019. The creation of the new HEART provides the community with an enriching platform for a range of opportunities. As a highly flexible, modern and innovative precinct, it offers multi-purpose spaces that bring together entertainment, arts and business events in a world-class venue.
Since January 2023 Arts Margaret River, a local not-for-profit cultural community organisation, now call The HEART their home. Under a new Co-Management model with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Arts Margaret River presents a diverse and exciting program comprising of music, live theatre, cinema, dance and visual art exhibitions, whilst also creating space for community events, workshops and activities. Arts Margaret River is also the proud creator and presenter of the annual Margaret River Readers and Writers Festival, the largest regional Readers and Writers Festival in WA.
Supported by Volunteers, Sponsors, Members and Friends, Arts Margaret River aims to provide locals and visitors to the region the best of regional, national and international entertainment. For more information, contact Arts Margaret River
In March 2023 The Shire, together with the Undalup Association, announced the dual naming of Margaret River HEART with the Wadandi name Nala Bardip Mia, meaning Our Story House, in the first steps towards dual naming local public buildings and places within the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. You can read more about this initiative HERE.
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Community Development
A hotspot for community gatherings and events, the venue reflects our diverse community, supports local businesses and provides better experiences for residents.
In addition to boosting local employment, economic return is directly contributed to the community via the accommodation, food & beverage, touring, leisure and shopping expenses of business tourists.
For the first time, community groups, schools and individuals have the access to Shire funding to help create a range of events and activities within our stately facility. The grants program harnesses creativity and ensures social inclusion and accessibility for the whole community. -
Arts & Culture
Margaret River HEART is a place for community members and visitors to collaborate, celebrate and enjoy grassroots culture, arts and entertainment.
Festivals, major touring shows, performing arts productions and commercial cinema screenings attract many creative professionals, enthusiasts and aspiring musicians each year - reinforcing our commitment to fostering creativity and artistic activity.
The delivery of future arts, cultural programs and heritage services at the new hub gives community members a chance to pursue their interests in the creative industries for many years to come.
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Regional Development
As a destination for business tourism, our hub allows the greater region to build on existing tourism popularity by moving into the business and conference market.
The venue's facilities open up new opportunities as a venue for regional events, with business functions, conferences and trade shows expected to deliver an economic return to the community.
The social, economic and environmental structure of the new hub allows people and business to spend more time and invest in Margaret River. With an estimated increase of 20,000 visitors to entertainment facilities in the region each year, the Margaret River HEART is a huge drawcard for the region’s events industry.