Midland Atelier is a response to a unique set of Western Australian conditions. Over the last decade the State has experienced unprecedented population and economic growth, yet it continues to suffer a net loss of talent interstate and overseas. This paradox has been revealed in research including FORM’s research project Comparative Capitals and Energy Cities.
The creative potential of Western Australia appears obvious – Perth trains more graduates with creative degrees than any other city. However, the lack of infrastructure and investment into the creative sector has seen a significant outward migration of this type of human capital. Between 2001 and 2006 Western Australia lost more creative professionals across media, arts, design and architecture than it gained. Perth is struggling to establish these creative industries, and in the five years to 2006, invested only 11% of the nation’s expenditure on research and development.
Midland Atelier can redress some of these issues through the provision of international-quality infrastructure, facilities and services, from professional development through to market connections and commissions. The Atelier will reposition Western Australia in a global context, reconnecting our talent with international markets, networks and R&D in a way which attracts and retains talent to Western Australia – thus building locally based, globally connected human capital.
