Fremantle Arts Centre (FAC) is a multi-arts organisation that’s been going strong for 36 years. Located on Finnerty Street, the historic site was originally the first purpose-built ‘lunatic’ asylum in WA. It has since been a women’s home, a naval base during WW1 and WW2 and a technical college before opening as Fremantle Arts Centre in 1972.
Fremantle Arts Centre operates a number of programming streams, with over 30 staff members operating the Exhibitions, Learning, Events & Music, Communications, Finance, Reception and Grounds departments, not to mention the best little shop in town, Found.
The Exhibitions team manage a cutting-edge selection of contemporary arts from practitioners locally, nationally and internationally, with a growing Residencies program running alongside. FAC also manages the Moores Building on Henry Street in the west end.
The Learning program is a cornerstone of FAC’s operations; over 1,000 students enrol each term. Tailored to kids and adults, courses range from weekend workshops to mid-week night classes, along with a kids holiday program. In recent years, FAC has become a premiere venue for Australian and international musicians. A diverse range of acts play year-round, from local bands on Sunday afternoons in summer’s Courtyard Music, to touring acts on the South Lawn such as Paul Kelly and Elvis Costello.