Western Australia's epicentre of culture and the arts, Fremantle is a vibrant and energetic centre. Its people are innovative and passionate creators of music, art and personal expression. This free-spirited, non-conformist world-view is intrinsic to the city and part of what goes into making up its spirit and soul.
Artist's - shopfronts and studios
Fremantle is well known for its visual arts culture, so it's no surprise to find artists showcasing their wares in studios and shopfronts studded throughout the city. Take a walk around town and meet the art and the artists as you tour the creative spaces that make the city such a magnet for the culturally inclined. Take in Bather's Beach Arts Precinct and discover the extraordinary work of underwater photographer Glen Cowans along with Fremantle sculptor Greg James or venture to South Fremantle to check out beautiful works on show at Earlywork Gallery and the stunning glass art by Elizabeth Mavrick.
Designers and makers
The port city has a long and lofty history with clothing manufacturing that continues to the present day. It should be no surprise that some iconic fashion labels cut their teeth here including Megan Salmon, Morrison and Velvet Sushi. The city is home to designers who continue to innovate and provide the town with its unique fashion style.
Festivals
With top line-ups and international guests, festivals are part of the cultural tapestry of the town. Nothing says "Fremantle" more than the colour, camaraderie and fun of the crowd. Some of the first-class festivals you can find are Falls Festival (January), St. Jeromes Laneway (February), Fremantle International Streets Arts Festival (Easter weekend), Winterworld (June-July), Fremantle Festival (July), Wardanji Aboriginal Cultural Festival (October) and many more.
Galleries
Wherever you go you aren't far away from an art gallery or exhibition space. From portraits to authentic aboriginal art, you can find it all. Spend an hour, an afternoon, or a day and experience the exceptional art that is being produced in the port city.
Indigenous culture
Fremantle has a strong indigenous culture that goes back over 45,000 years. Traditional knowledge and deep understanding of the land is something that has been collected and preserved by its aboriginal people. Learn about indigenous culture through a series of immersive experiences at the Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, or go to the Wardarnji festival in October. You can walk the Manjaree Trail at Bathers Beach and experience Indigenous art at Artitja Fine Art Gallery (by appointment) and Japingka Aboriginal Art Gallery in High Street West End.
Music
Music is the life-blood of this town. That's why it's home to so many exceptional artists. Music can be heard on almost every street corner - from the buskers to the small bars, the festivals to open mic nights, it fills the air and provides the soundtrack to the city.
Museums
History, heroism, heritage, and horror, you can encounter them all in the city's museums. Explore the relationship between Western Australia and the sea at the WA Maritime Museum and the WA Shipwrecks Museum. Learn about our army involvement at the Army Museum of WA and hear stories about Fremantle's more colourful characters on one of the Fremantle Prison Tours.
Public art
Discover a city full of public art and sculpture. See the statue of CY O'Connor down at the entrance to Victoria Quay. Take a trip down to Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour to admire the bronze fishermen and make sure you don't miss the memorial statue of Bon Scott - lead singer of the band AC/DC, and arguably Fremantle's most famous son.
Street art
Some cities paint over their street art, while others embrace it. This city recognises the incredible contribution that street art makes to the colour, energy and atmosphere of the town. Take a selfie with a giant numbat or be blown-away by the creativity on display at the East West mural in South Fremantle. Street art lives here.