Next Level Regional Grant recipient and Geraldton textile artist Leah Vlatko looks to explore fungi

Eight emerging artists around regional WA have received a $7500 Next Level Grant to boost creativity and vibrancy around the State, with Geraldton textile artist Leah Vlatko one of the recipients. The 26-year-old artist plans to create a body of work for her first solo exhibition and research fungi. Exploring the medium of crochet, she will further develop skills in textile art and learn from experienced Mid West artists. Vlatko said receiving the grant was an incredible opportunity, and looked forward to learning from experienced artists and arts workers, as well as developing her voice as an artist. “I’m grateful to the Next Level Regional Grants team for this support. There’s a lot of amazing art going on in Geraldton that’s really inspiring and I look forward to being part of it,” she said. “I spent time over summer in Northcliffe (Pibelmen Noongar Country), and through bushwalks I became interested in the fungi there. I have also been exploring crochet wire as a extension of my practice.” Vlatko said she was always interested native flora, particularly around her home in Geraldton. “I just think it’s really beautiful fungi can live where there is decay,” she said. Part of the State Government’s Regional Arts and Culture Investment Program (RACIP), the grants are issued to regional Western Australia to support liveable and vibrant communities. Acting Culture and the Arts Minister Bill Johnston said programs such these boosted regional WA’s vibrant culture and arts community. “Those in our regional communities can bring diverse perspectives and strengths to our culture and arts sector, and Western Australia as a whole,” he said. Acting Regional Development Minister Don Punch said he congratulated the recipients who wanted to succeed in the art realm. “The regions have so much to offer and investing in the community brings a wealth of value for everyone,” he said.