Fremantle council has voted to open the historic J Shed studios to public expressions of interest, potentially forcing out internationally recognised sculptor Greg James and other long-term tenants after more than three decades.
James, along with ceramicist Jenny Dawson, photographer Peter Zuvela, and sculptor Jina Lee, have been given notice to vacate their studios in the Manjaree arts precinct at Bathers Beach. The council decision, passed 6-3 last week, will initiate a staged process to lease eight properties in the precinct, with a focus on attracting young and emerging artists.
Artists' Investment and Emotional Toll
James, who has operated from J Shed since 1992, expressed deep disappointment. "There's been a lot of feelings. It's been very disappointing," he told PerthNow. "If you spend a sizable amount of your life trying to make a positive contribution and do work that's good, to feel that there are people in the community that can't see any value in that ... I think that's a shame."
When James and Dawson first moved in, the buildings were "empty shells" that the artists transformed over time. James personally funded a 2012 repainting project that changed the exterior from "baby poo brown" to the colourful doors now popular as a photo spot. He also paid out of pocket to install a toilet and spent about $50,000 building a loft space for exhibiting works. "It was specifically developed with the public in mind, so people could come into a working studio environment safely," he said.
Council's Rationale and Community Consultation
Councillor Melanie Clark defended the decision, noting the studios are a "rare asset" with "extraordinary" leases. "They're currently around 50 to 55 per cent below their market value," she said. "When a unique public art space is leased in Fremantle by the city under these extraordinary conditions, it's reasonable to assume that other artists in the community would appreciate the opportunity to be considered to lease them too."
About 1300 people responded to a community consultation last year, with 90 per cent supporting giving other artists, especially young and emerging ones, a chance to work in the precinct. The EOI process will also invite public realm activation proposals to enhance vibrancy and accessibility.
Staged Eviction Timeline
The staged changes begin with J Shed studios on Fleet Street. Lee and the Studio Four artist collective, leasing units one and four respectively, have received six months' notice, with new leases starting in January 2027. James and the duo Dawson and Zuvela, leasing units two and three, have 12 months' notice, with new leases beginning in June 2027.
Stage two starts in September, giving four months' notice to tenants at Trivett's Place (units 13 and 15), with new leases in January 2027. Stage three follows immediately, with tenants at Captains Lane (units 9 and 11) receiving four months' notice ahead of new leases starting May 2027.
Artists' Concerns and Financial Burden
Existing tenants may apply through the EOI process but must "make-good" the tenancy if unsuccessful. James estimated relocation costs between $50,000 and $100,000, which he said he doesn't have. "I've got six months' worth of commission work that I've got to try and get done by the end of this year and then it'll mean the next six months will be taken out of my work time to move out and try and relocate," he said.
Dawson told councillors that forcing existing artists out with "no transition period" would be unfair to both them and new artists. Councillors voted against two proposed amendments that would have made the EOI process more collaborative and extended timeframes.
Future of the Precinct
New lease lengths will be negotiable, likely ranging from one to five years. The Walyalup Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Round House guides, 10 Captains Lane, and Kidogo Arthouse are excluded from the EOI process.
James remains uncertain about his next step. "I'm still considering putting in an expression of interest. If I don't, that means I'm here for a year to take everything out, finish my current work and leave it as a shell," he said. "I'd rather spend that time being here, doing something positive."
