The City of Fremantle Art Collection was established in 1958 and is the largest municipal art collection in Western Australia. The collection has paintings, prints, drawings, ceramics and sculpture, which catalogue the development of artists and visual arts practice in Fremantle over the past forty years. It is also a record of the evolution of the Fremantle Arts Centre as a national centre for exhibition of innovative visual arts practice.
The collection with over 1,400 pieces has artworks of historical and contemporary significance representing the practice of established Fremantle artists. The collection includes a substantial holding of paintings by Kathleen O'Connor and sculpture by Akio Makigawa in addition to Western Australian and Australian prints of national significance which include winning works from the Fremantle Print Awards.
The continued acquisition of works created by artists who live or work in Fremantle, or art which reflects or is inspired by activities in Fremantle, maintains a strong link to Fremantle’s community. The collection acquires works which build upon the strengths of its existing holdings. The City of Fremantle Art Collection is a participating gallery with the Commonwealth Cultural Gifts Scheme.
Collection management
The City of Fremantle Art Collection is managed by professionally trained staff who are responsible for maintaining high standards of management; exhibition, conservation of the collection and recommendations on acquisition of artworks.
The City of Fremantle develops its collection holdings in accordance with current museum practice and employs significance assessment criteria developed by the Heritage Collections Council. The City's Collections Policy complies with the terms and principles of the Protection of Movable Cultural Heritage Act 1986 and the acquisition guidelines and statement on ethics by Museums Australia.
Photo: Mayor Brad Pettitt receives gift of painting from Catherine Lindsey through the Cultural Gifts Scheme. Ken Wadrop. Hifi 1982, oil paint on canvas.
Contact us
City of Fremantle
Walyalup Civic Centre
151 High Street
Fremantle WA 6160
T 08 9432 9999
F 08 9432 9895
TTY 08 9432 9777
E info@fremantle.wa.gov.au
Useful documents
Art collection policy
Revealing art collection brochure