THE Creative Corner will cap a landmark year for South West creatives with the launch of a new regional directory and a leadership handover at its September AGM. The organisation’s South West Creative Directory will officially launch at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social in Dunsborough on Thursday, August 27. The free, region-wide resource is designed to connect professional creatives including photographers, artists, musicians and designers with businesses, organisations and governments looking for local talent.

The project was funded by the City of Busselton, South West Development Commission, Creative Tech Village and Rio Tinto, with support from thebox and EUSO Digital.

The launch follows a busy year for the volunteer-run not-for-profit, including involvement in Emergence Creative Collision, Margaret River Arts Trail and Bandwidth, as well as delivery of its first Four on the Four networking event in Margaret River.

Outgoing chair Jon Ricciardone said the region’s breadth of creative talent was what made the organisation’s work so rewarding. “What I’m proudest of is the enormous amount of talent we have in this region, from graphic designers, photographers and filmmakers to musicians, visual artists and designers and more,” he said.

“And the fact that the Creative Corner has spent more than ten years backing every one of them, members and non-members alike.” Mr Ricciardone will step down after three years as chair at the organisation’s AGM, to be held at Strange Brew Wine Bar in Cowaramup on Thursday, September 10.

“We are about to launch the South West Creative Directory, a resource to help amplify the work the Creative Corner does day in, day out,” he said. “Hence after three rewarding years as Chair, it’s the right time to hand over so a new leader can keep driving this work forward.”

The Creative Corner is also seeking new committee members, particularly people with business, finance and governance experience.