A SIX-MONTH lease for Sunset Events’ vacant studio at J-Shed has been awarded to the arts support group, 6MO (Six Months Only).

The group is planning exhibitions, art markets/tours, and a program celebrating the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum on the indigenous vote.

City officers said 6MO had the strongest indigenous program which linked in with the  One Day in Fremantle concert.

6MO was founded by Mel Henderson and Freo council staffer Emila Galatis, who is organising Revealed, an indigenous symposium, exhibition and market at the Fremantle Arts Centre in April.

Thirteen applicants applied for the lease, including Greg James Sculpture, Freo Food and Blazing Swan, and Cr Rachel Pemberton says the standard was high.

“Special mention goes to Circus WA and Penny Lane [music workshop] who both put in excellent applications,” she says.

“Unfortunately they both need a long-term home and a six-month solution was not good for either of them.”

The lease starts in January and will finish when Sunset Events’ 21-year lease begins on July 1.

The leasing of the J-Shed is part of a council initiative to activate Bathers Beach with an art and cultural precinct.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK