Thanks to You - Creativity opens new doors

There's no shortage of creativity in Mandurah, and thanks to your rates, local artists are getting more opportunities to share their talents, connect with the community and take their art to new heights.

Through our #ThanksToYou campaign, we're sharing the stories of inspiring locals and showing how your rates help support the programs, services and opportunities that make Mandurah a great place to live.

This time, we're stepping inside the studio of local glass artist Kim Cottrell, whose involvement in Mandurah Open Studios has opened doors he never expected.

Kim creates unique glass artworks using a mix of materials including glass, aluminium, stainless steel and timber. While art has always been a big part of his life, opening his studio to the public for the first time in 2025 was a whole new experience.

"Daunting is the first word that comes to mind," Kim said.

"I knew people liked my work, but I was completely blindsided by the response I got from people that year."

What started as an opportunity to showcase his artwork quickly turned into something much bigger. Kim received unexpected commissions and discovered just how much people connected with his creations.

And the opportunities didn't stop there.

Following his involvement in Mandurah Open Studios, Kim was invited to work with local high school students, teaching them how to create their own glass artworks. It was something he'd never imagined doing before taking part in the program.

For Kim, the biggest change has been the confidence he's gained along the way.

"My first Open Studios to now, the main change is that I'm a lot more confident with my art."

Run by the City of Mandurah, Mandurah Open Studios gives local artists the chance to open their creative spaces to the public, showcase their work and connect with new audiences.

But the benefits go well beyond the studio doors.

Visitors exploring the artist trail also spend time discovering Mandurah, supporting local cafes, restaurants, accommodation providers and other businesses along the way.

As Kim puts it, "It isn't just the artists that are benefiting, it's everyone."

From supporting local artists to bringing visitors into our city, Mandurah Open Studios is helping our creative community flourish.

It's just one of the many ways your rates are making a difference across Mandurah.

And it's all thanks to you!

Read more stories about how your rates are helping build a better Mandurah at mandurah.wa.gov.au/thankstoyou.