Fremantle's forgotten hotel, once a sailors' haven, has been transformed into an artistic haven by local creatives. The historic P&O hotel, built in 1870 and renovated during the gold rush era, had lain empty for decades, its potential overlooked by the public eye.
But this November, Fremantle's residents will have the chance to experience a different story as Room Service takes over the upper floor of the hotel. For three weeks, more than 40 musicians, poets, painters, and multimedia artists have occupied the space, transforming it into an immersive art installation that responds to its complex history.
Artist Danielle Caruana, known professionally as Mama Kin, co-curated the event with Tom Mùller. "I don't think people realise how much latent creative output becomes possible when property owners have the will and vision to back a simple idea," she says. The room has been transformed into an art studio where sound-led installations and performances are on display.
Artist Zali Morgan used recycled paper to create a painting that responds to Fremantle's colonial legacy, while Ellen Broadhurst used projection mapping to bring forth animated faces of the hotel's past patrons. Meanwhile, Guy Louden created a playable climate dystopia called Wet End – a game set in a future Fremantle ravaged by rising seas.
For Nic Brunsdon, architect behind the P&O revival plan, Room Service offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the building before it opens as a hotel. He has stripped the space back to its original form and incorporated natural materials like sandstone and bush aromas to create a meditative pause space that transports visitors to a pre-colonial landscape.
Mama Kin hopes more property owners will follow suit, inviting artists into empty spaces to fill the gaps in continuity. "It doesn't take much to say yes," she says, reflecting on what Room Service reveals – the potential for creative collaboration and the possibility of turning vacant spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.
The P&O hotel's journey serves as a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration in transforming empty spaces into thriving artistic experiences.
But this November, Fremantle's residents will have the chance to experience a different story as Room Service takes over the upper floor of the hotel. For three weeks, more than 40 musicians, poets, painters, and multimedia artists have occupied the space, transforming it into an immersive art installation that responds to its complex history.
Artist Danielle Caruana, known professionally as Mama Kin, co-curated the event with Tom Mùller. "I don't think people realise how much latent creative output becomes possible when property owners have the will and vision to back a simple idea," she says. The room has been transformed into an art studio where sound-led installations and performances are on display.
Artist Zali Morgan used recycled paper to create a painting that responds to Fremantle's colonial legacy, while Ellen Broadhurst used projection mapping to bring forth animated faces of the hotel's past patrons. Meanwhile, Guy Louden created a playable climate dystopia called Wet End – a game set in a future Fremantle ravaged by rising seas.
For Nic Brunsdon, architect behind the P&O revival plan, Room Service offers an opportunity for visitors to explore the building before it opens as a hotel. He has stripped the space back to its original form and incorporated natural materials like sandstone and bush aromas to create a meditative pause space that transports visitors to a pre-colonial landscape.
Mama Kin hopes more property owners will follow suit, inviting artists into empty spaces to fill the gaps in continuity. "It doesn't take much to say yes," she says, reflecting on what Room Service reveals – the potential for creative collaboration and the possibility of turning vacant spaces into vibrant cultural hubs.
The P&O hotel's journey serves as a testament to the power of creative vision and collaboration in transforming empty spaces into thriving artistic experiences.
It's like Fremantle is giving its historic past a whole new lease on life. I mean, can you imagine walking up to the P&O and being transported to another era? The sound-led installations and performances must be so immersive! 
And I'm totally down for more property owners inviting artists into empty spaces - it's like filling in the gaps of history with creativity 
. The fact that it's not just some fancy event, but an actual part of the hotel's transformation is even cooler 
. Can't wait to check out Room Service and see what other amazing things they've got planned!
? like, what about the rest of Fremantle's residents who can't afford to stay in an art hotel? aren't we worried that Room Service is gonna get outta control and ruin the whole vibe they're trying to create? 
. like, Zali Morgan's recycled paper painting was actually pretty thought-provoking 
. and I guess Nic Brunsdon's idea for a meditative pause space is kinda cool 
.
it's just not fair to us regular folk who have to deal with rent hikes and stuff 
.
. But what really gets me is how it shows us that even empty spaces can be turned into something amazing just by giving artists a chance to get creative 
.
. I love how they're bringing back this piece of history and making it feel alive again. And I'm totally on board with Mama Kin's idea - let's fill up all these empty spaces with art and culture! 
It's like, the whole community is coming together to make something beautiful happen. Can't wait to see what Room Service has in store for Fremantle residents this November 
. I mean, it's crazy that something like this was just sitting there, empty for decades, waiting for someone to come along and breathe some life into it. And the artists who are making it happen? Total game-changers 
. They're not just creating art for art's sake, they're also giving people a chance to experience the history of the place in a whole new way.
. If more property owners are willing to take a chance on artists, we could see a whole lot more of these kinds of projects popping up around town.
.
omg i cant even imagine what this place will be like when its all transformed lol i mean 1870 is old but like wow that gold rush era renovation mustve been wild 
anyway i love how they're using recycled paper and projection mapping to create these sick art installations 
mama kin and tom mueller are the real MVPs for making this happen 
.
It's like a whole new world! Anyway, I think this project is proof that even empty spaces can be transformed into something amazing with a little bit of creativity and vision