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PETITION TO 

HON SIMONE MCGURK MLA
Minister for Creative Industries

HON. RITA SAFFIOTI MLA

Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Minister for Tourism

HON. ROGER COOK MLA 

Premier; Minister for State Development; Trade and Investment; Economic Diversification

Save the Perth International Cabaret Festival

A Call to Reconsider State Government Funding and Support.

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern and heartfelt disappointment over the closure of the Perth International Cabaret Festival (PICF) due to a lack of core recurrent government funding.

The PICF was more than just a festival, it was a symbol of what Western Australia could achieve when artistic vision, community support, and professional excellence aligned. From its founding in 2019, it rapidly grew into a cornerstone of WA’s winter arts calendar, delivering performances that inspired, challenged, and united people from all walks of life.

In 2024 alone, PICF:

 • Attracted over 5,800 attendees from Perth, regional WA, interstate, and overseas

 • Delivered more than $4.5 million in total economic impact

 • Featured 50 diverse artists, over 60% from Western Australia

 • Maintained a 98% audience return rate, year after year

 • Offered free community programs, Q&A sessions, workshops, and artist development opportunities

 • Represented a spectrum of performers across cultures, ages, genders, and abilities

Over five years, PICF hosted more than 100 shows, supported over 300 artists, and premiered works never before seen in WA, Australia, or the world. It brought new life to iconic venues like His Majesty’s Theatre, developed creative infrastructure such as the immersive On the Boards space, and delivered social and cultural impact that far outweighed its modest budget.

Despite this, PICF has now been left without the critical operational funding required to continue. This is a devastating and shortsighted outcome, not because of failure, but due to a lack of foundational support from the City of perth and the State Government. This is particularly painful when considering the millions regularly allocated to sporting events, while the arts are expected to do more with less, year after year.

The State Government’s own Creative WA 10-Year Strategy seeks to support emerging talent, ensure artists stay and grow in WA, and elevate our state’s national cultural standing. PICF delivered on all of those objectives—and more.

We, the undersigned, respectfully call upon the WA Government to:

 1. Reconsider its decision and immediately explore avenues for funding PICF’s return.

 2. Allocate core operational funding for its long-term sustainability.

 3. Publicly acknowledge the value of the arts alongside sport as essential to a vibrant, inclusive WA.

The arts are not a luxury. They are fundamental to a healthy, connected society and a thriving economy. PICF deserved to thrive—not fade away due to the absence of basic support.

Yours sincerely,