Emerging Creatives Bring Myths and Legends to Life at the City’s Biennial Young Artist Awards
The City of Kalamunda proudly celebrated the next generation of creatives at the 2025 Young Artist Awards Opening Night, held at The Zig Zag Gallery on Friday, 26 September.
The Gallery came to life with vibrant art pieces representing folklore, magical stories and legends. Mayor Margaret Thomas officially opened the exhibition, with Elder Kelvin Garlett delivering the Welcome to Country and music provided by DJ Fondi. The Mayor was joined by esteemed artist judges Gemma Ben-Ary, Yasamin Khadembashi, Isla Howard and Tanya Yap, along with event sponsor Hawaiian’s Forrestfield and overflow exhibition sponsor Kalamunda Central.
The Young Artist Awards aim to showcase and celebrate emerging talent through a professional exhibition at the Zig Zag Gallery, connecting the community with the vibrant voices of up-and-coming young creatives.
Mayor Thomas shared her excitement, stating “It’s inspiring to witness the creativity of our young artists. Art provides a powerful outlet to share stories and build connection across our community.”
“I’d like to congratulate all the young artists who submitted their work this year. We’re thrilled to offer a platform where they can shine and share their talent with the wider community.”
For this year’s awards, the City partnered with Kalamunda Central, to arrange an overflow exhibition in the local shopping centre, further extending the community’s opportunity to view the work by our young creatives.
This year’s event was elevated by the introduction of new award categories aimed at upskilling and empowering young creatives. The inaugural Youth Mentorship Award, presented in collaboration with Yasamin Khadembashi, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a young artist to work closely with an established professional artist.
The categories and winners include:
- Best Piece (Ages 11–15) - Otto Lowery
- Best Piece (Ages 16–25) - Eva Wildman
- Emerging Artist Award (Overall Prize) Supported by Hawaiians Forrestfield - Aoife O’Toole
- BONUS: Youth Mentorship Award with Yasamin Khadembashi - Bhagya Prasadi Siriwardana Idamgedara
The final category, the People’s Prize Award, will be decided by popular vote throughout the exhibition and announced at the conclusion of the Exhibition.
Congratulations to all our talented young artists!
The Myths Young Artists Exhibition is open from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 12 October 2025 at the Zig Zag Gallery (50 Railway Road, Kalamunda), with the Overflow exhibition located at Kalamunda Central Shopping Centre (39 Railway Road, Kalamunda).
Entry is free and works by young artists aged 18 and over will be available for sale during the exhibition.
The City acknowledges the support from our local sponsors.
- Event and Prize sponsor: Hawaiian’s Forrestfield
- Overflow exhibition sponsor: Kalamunda Central
For more information, visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au, call the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.
Image 1 (left to right): Aoife O'Tool (Emerging Artist Award) and Bhagya Prasadi Siriwardana Idamgedara
Image 2: Emerging Artist Award (Overall Prize) Supported by Hawaiians Forrestfield - Aoife O’Toole
Image 3: Youth Mentorship Award with Yasamin Khadembashi - Bhagya Prasadi Siriwardana Idamgedara
