In her handsome tome Arts Connecting Margaret River, Heather Locke OAM presents a vibrant tapestry of artistic endeavours that have shaped the Margaret River region over the past half-century. This book, coinciding with Arts Margaret River’s golden anniversary in 2024, offers a compelling narrative that intertwines the community’s cultural heritage with its natural beauty and artistic talents.
Locke’s opening quote sets the tone for the entire work: ‘Arts are the soul of a community, a mirror to our past, a glimpse of our future, the connection that brightens our lives: nala jenna biddi-wah watto galyarra, we will walk this path together’. This sentiment resonates throughout the book, highlighting how the arts have been a unifying force in Margaret River, equal in importance to the region’s internationally acclaimed wine industry and thriving tourism sector.
The author’s personal connection to the region, having lived there for c.40 years, lends authenticity to her storytelling, while her involvement with Arts Margaret River – she is a Life Member – provides valuable insider perspectives on the evolution of the arts scene.
But Locke’s voice is very far from the dominant one, and she interviewed countless people for the project. The dramatis personae thus includes such luminaries as the recently departed Anne Shepherdson, Scott Wise, Paul Ayres, Gerry Riley, Dea Haddow, Margot Edwards and a multitude of others.
Through a series of evocatively titled chapters such as Let the Curtains Rise, Chardonnay Crochet Canvas, and Barn Dance to Ballet, Locke weaves together diverse artistic expressions that have flourished in Margaret River: theatre, cinema, music, dance, ceramics, painting, literature and more. These chapters suggest a plethora of performances and cultural events that have contributed to the region’s vibrant community life.
Indeed, the book emphasises how the arts have been instrumental in fostering a sense of community identity and pride. Locke’s narratives demonstrate how artistic endeavours have complemented Margaret River’s natural beauty and world-class wineries, creating a holistic cultural experience for both residents and visitors alike.
To take but one example: the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival has grown from modest beginnings to become one of Australia’s finest and most respected writers’ festivals, embraced by the local community while each year attracting international guests of the calibre of Michael Palin and AC Grayling and thousands of visitors from around the country.
While Margaret River is globally recognised for its wines and tourism, Locke argues that the arts have been equally pivotal in shaping the region’s character. The stories and photographs collected in this volume reveal how artistic expressions have reflected the community’s values, preserved its history, and projected its aspirations for the future.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of the interconnectedness between various art forms and the broader community. Locke shows how the threads of artistic connections have woven themselves into the fabric of Margaret River life, creating a community that values not only its natural resources but also its human creativity and cultural heritage.
While the book would have benefitted from a table of contents and an index to navigate its intriguingly titled chapters more easily, this minor oversight doesn’t detract from the overall impact of the work. Locke’s personal revelation about her love for the circus also adds a touching personal note, reminding readers that behind every artistic pursuit are passionate individuals whose stories continue beyond the book’s pages.
Arts Connecting Margaret River is more than just a chronicle of cultural events; it’s a celebration of how a small rural arts organisation has played a significant role in community building. It demonstrates that alongside its world-famous wines and stunning landscapes, Margaret River’s artistic soul is equally worthy of recognition and celebration.