St George’s Cathedral Art
celebrates 20 years!

Julianne Mackay, Curator since 2013

A highlight on the St George’s Cathedral events calendar and celebrating 20 creative years in 2023, St George's Cathedral Art has become a premier annual event in art education in Western Australia, attracting schools from all sectors.

Participation in this exhibition provides an outstanding opportunity for schools to present work by students in Years 10, 11 and 12, in the unique setting of St George's Cathedral.

This exhibition has evolved and developed over its twenty-year history and provided a platform for youth to create and exhibit their works in one of Perth’s most iconic and architectural gems.

Art is a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing young people to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that is meaningful to them. Creating art can help young people develop a greater sense of self-awareness and confidence. Engaging in artistic activities can foster creativity in young people, encouraging them to think outside the box and can provide a healthy outlet for emotions that might be otherwise difficult to express.

The St George’s Cathedral Art exhibition gives young people, their families and the community, an opportunity to connect with others who share their interests and passions and can help with managing stressful periods.

The last few years have been challenging, isolating and stressful for people all over the world and art is one way of bringing people together, keeping occupied in lockdowns and learning new skills, we were all forced to slow down which allowed us the opportunity to explore our interests further.

From a curator’s perspective, the St George’s Cathedral Art show provides me with the opportunity to curate an exhibition in a truly unique space and to think creatively about how each work will be showcased. The number of entries has grown steadily over the years and has been well received from both metropolitan and regional schools, representing the depth and breadth of Western Australian students.

It is a joy to see the discussions and conversations that are sparked each year amongst those who participate and view the exhibition, allowing for people to engage with new perspectives, ideas and building cohesion within our community. Curating the exhibition has also given me personal and professional development and is an absolute pleasure.