Meridian Regional Arts Inc (MRA) is building social connections, a shared sense of purpose and long-term community belonging, thanks to their ambitious arts program – Deeper Impact.
The project was supported by an $85,564 Community Impact Grant, funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund under the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
At its heart was Seasons of Change – a celebration of the wisdom, humour and resilience of Wheatbelt seniors. Working with successful Western Australian artists, community members learned new skills in photography, portraiture, sculpture and film to document the lives and stories of older residents. For many, this was the first time they had access to such high-quality arts experiences locally and the result was a deeply moving community-built exhibition that travelled across the Wheatbelt.
Alongside Seasons of Change, MRA also delivered a creative project raising awareness of endangered eucalyptus woodlands through art and science. Slow Dusk involved young people exploring innovative ways to respond to climate challenges, including transforming invasive grasses into biodegradable sculptures. Meanwhile, the Art + Connect program activated under-utilised community spaces and offered opportunities for people ages 16-30 to take part in cultural events rarely found outside of metropolitan centres.
These initiatives reached more than 2,000 participants, aged 5 – 98 years, across four shires. They broke down barriers between age groups, encouraged collaboration and created new reasons to live, work and play in the region. Seniors reported improved wellbeing and reduced isolation, while more than 200 young people (a number that far surpassed expectations) gained confidence, skills and, in some cases, the inspiration to pursue creative careers.
There were also economic and social benefits to the program. Community venues such as the Merredin Railway Museum and Nungarin Military Museum saw an increase in visitors, while digital submissions and professional support improved the quality and reach of exhibitions. By delivering workshops for free or at very low cost, MRA ensured that financial barriers didn’t prevent participation.
Another notable outcome was the strengthened sense of belonging and resilience across communities. More than 80% of surveyed participants reported an improvement in mental wellbeing and a similar number said they had worked with someone new during the project and built strong community ties that will be invaluable in future times of drought or stress.
The program wasn’t without its challenges. Engaging younger adults proved difficult, as did managing venue and funding limitations. But these hurdles also sparked new ideas, such as experimenting with different spaces.
By using the arts as an entry point, MRA created safe, welcoming spaces for people to gather and collaborate, demonstrating the critical role that creativity can play in community wellbeing and resilience, particularly in areas affected by drought.