Margaret River’s Francesco Geronazzo in DADAA and Healthway arts project for regional WA

Margaret River-based Italian artist Francesco Geronazzo is working on a key project connecting communities with a focus on mental health through his chosen media of printmaking.

Geronazzo was one of several artists selected for the project funded by Healthway and Disability in the Arts, Disadvantage in the Arts.

The printmaker, who also works for Leon Pericles and Jo Darvall, will act as a crucial link in the project focused on the Wheatbelt.

“I am so pleased to have been appointed as an artist in this meaningful program,” he told the Times.

“We will be able to make a positive impact in people’s lives through the arts.

“I look forward to delivering this program once it has been further developed.”

Geronazzo will co-ordinate DADAA’s regionally-based Ink and Thread regional Development project as part of the organisation’s overall arts program.

The artist already leads printmaking workshops in the South West and was a lecturer in his homeland after graduating with a master’s degree in graphics from the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna.

Ink and Thread is based in Lancelin to help establish a regional arts centre serving inland communities from Bunbury, Geraldton and the Wheatbelt, partnering with community groups, other artists, and people who are ageing or have a disability.

DADAA executive director David Doyle said the three-year program would have a strategic focus on mental health and wellbeing, while maximising participation and increased connection to regional WA.

“Rural and remote communities often miss out on long-term community arts projects,” hw said.

“Our regional and outer metro programs will provide a deep and sustained action-based dialogue with WA communities and provide both DADAA and Healthway with the space to develop targeted arts and health responses.

“DADAA has always worked within a community-based model, but what is new is how we are bringing Healthway as a central partner into this space.”

Including metropolitan sections of the overall arts program, more than 14,000 people were expected to get involved.