The Shire of Manjimup is not just a beautiful place. Within its borders its vibrant communities are involved in a range of artistic pursuits. Whether inspired by the forests, or by their communities, Manjimup, Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole and their surrounds are home to respected and renowned arts practitioners and groups, many of whom are well known beyond the area. Local arts groups enhance life in our wonderful region by supporting artists to extend their skills.

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Manjimup is the home for the Warren Arts Council, which stages the Blue Grass and Old Time Music Festival weekend annually in September. The Bluegrass weekend includes performances, masterclasses and workshops, and is just one of the events supported by the Warren Arts Council. The Arts Council also runs the Manjimup Performance Series, which brings a range of artists to perform in the town.

Manjimup Art Gallery, supported by the Shire, presents six exhibitions throughout the year. The Manjimup Arts Hub is a collective of around 70 local artists and craftspeople, across various artforms, who contribute to a showcase of some of the finest local art works in their studio shopfront on Giblett St, Manjimup.

The Manjimup Repertory Club presents three or more dramatic shows annually in their 'renovated-for-purpose' art deco theatre, which was originally the ambulance hall.

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Pemberton is home to the Pemberton Arts Group (PAG). This group of highly skilled and motivated arts practitioners have a dedicated studio space in the centre of Pemberton, at the Balaang Miya Community Hub. They come together on Tuesdays and Wednesdays weekly to work on individual projects in the conviviality of their own workshop space. Anyone is welcome to these friendly sessions. The Pemberton Art Prize, offered twice annually at the themed exhibitions mounted in Spring and Autumn, attract artists from all over the state. The exhibitions feature both 2D and 3D works.

Pemberton boasts a tradition of sculptural works too, from the Shire acquisition 'Looking forward, Looking back' in the main street, the Pemberton Streetscape, the engraved children's pavers set into the main footpaths, to the studios and gardens of local sculptors Peter Kovacsy and Mark Grey-Smith and local artist John Duncan.

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Northcliffe is the home to Southern Forest Arts, and home to the most impressive forest sculpture walk in Australia. Understory features works from local and international artists, on a 1.5km walk through the natural karri forest and heathlands of the region.

The Painted Tree Gallery is a delightful gallery within a purpose-built rammed earth building which also houses the Visitor Centre, Community Resource Centre and Library.

Around the town site, visitors can enjoy public art in the painted electricity poles, rubbish receptacles and in murals on some buildings. Northcliffe is also the gateway to the popular ocean holiday settlement, Windy Harbour, which also features an ocean-themed mural painted by children.

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Walpole is home to three galleries: Petrichor Gallery, run by local artist, Elizabeth Edmonds; the studio of Marilyn Barrington, open by appointment; and the Walpole Makers Collective,  a cooperative involving several local artists.

The Swarbrick Sculpture Walk is a scenic drive away, as is Jolley Art, the studio of Lyn Jolley, in North Walpole.

Why hurry through? Allow yourself to be distracted. You won't be disappointed.

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For all these reasons, the Shire of Manjimup should be top of your list of South West destinations.