Geraldton’s creative community has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of a new network designed to unite, support and strengthen the region’s growing commercial creative industry.

Held at Regional Sounds on July 3, the launch of the Midwest Creative Cartel attracted around 85 guests, with creatives, business owners and supporters gathering to celebrate the start of what organisers hope will become a powerful voice for the Mid West’s creative sector. Many attendees signed up as members and supporters on the night.

Founded by Geraldton creative agency Mullermind, the Midwest Creative Cartel aims to bring together photographers, filmmakers, marketers, designers, writers, developers and other digital creatives from across the region, creating opportunities to collaborate, learn from one another and grow the local industry.

Speaking at the launch, Mullermind general manager and director Carmen Watts said the Mid West had no shortage of creative talent, but many people were working in isolation.

“The Mid West is full of creatives. They just haven’t been connected yet,” she said.

Ms Watts said the region’s creative professionals played a vital role in helping businesses succeed, yet their contribution often went unnoticed.

“Digital creatives help businesses stand out,” she said.

“We help them look good, sound good, increase revenue, drive recruitment and manage reputation. And yet we’re often invisible ourselves.

“The Midwest Creative Cartel exists to change that. We exist to connect creatives, create opportunities and elevate our industry, right here in the Mid West.”

The launch comes as independent research continues to highlight the Mid West as one of WA’s emerging creative centres.

Geraldton is one of only four locations in the State recognised as a national “creative hotspot” in the Australian Cultural and Creative Activity: A Population and Hotspot Analysis, a study undertaken by Queensland University of Technology and the University of Newcastle in 2020 in partnership with state and territory arts agencies.

The Midwest Creative Cartel was established by Mullermind partners Michael Muller, David Boyes and Ms Watts, inspired by the agency’s own journey from a sole trader business into a successful creative partnership with a growing team.

While initiated by Mullermind, the organisation is intended to operate independently, providing a collaborative platform for creatives throughout the Mid West.

Membership is free, with individuals able to join as members or supporters. The organisation plans to focus on three key areas: connection, advocacy and education, with plans for regular monthly networking events and the eventual establishment of a Midwest Creative Fund to help foster future creative projects across the region.