Art Gallery of Western Australia

Situated in the heart of the Perth Cultural Centre, the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) is the home of visual arts in WA.

 

Housed in an internationally renowned Brutalist building, AGWA has an impressive collection of artworks by Indigenous and Western Australian artists, alongside works from around the world.

 

From 6 November 2021 The Art Gallery of Western Australia presents its largest ever exhibition of Western Australian art, with 30 major new commissions, exhibitions and acquisitions by leading Western Australian artists and creatives.

 

The View From Here captures the perspectives of a diverse group of artists, from the state’s renowned and iconic western desert and Kimberley artists, to emerging artists—many from non-traditional arts backgrounds—to established Western Australian artists working here and elsewhere. 

 

The exhibition transforms every single AGWA gallery space into a celebration of Western Australian art, culture and creativity, 

 

The View From Here coincides with the launch of the new AGWA Rooftop, representing the completion of the original architectural intent of the 1979 vision for the brutalist building. The AGWA Rooftop hosts one of the state’s most significant commissions from a Noongar artist, with Christopher Pease’s sprawling, 34-metre light-based artwork wrapping its exterior walls, overlooking the city skyline—as well as a new interior rooftop gallery and open-air sculpture walk and rooftop bar offering giving you a new destination to drink in the exciting cultural offerings of Perth city.

 

This moment, also encompassing renovations throughout the gallery including a new foyer, sees AGWA emerge from Covid-19 and a moment of introspection renewed. It presents an opportunity to focus on unique Western Australian perspectives and the art and artists of this place.

 

Alongside the new, is one of WA’s oldest buildings, the former police courts built in 1905. These heritage-listed, ‘Centenary Galleries’ are now home to a changing rotation of exhibitions.

AGWA hosts a diverse line-up of exhibitions across the year, accompanied by an exciting program of events including artist talks, music, performance art, and more.

 

A visit would not be complete without browsing the stunning design, craft and art products found in the Gallery’s Design Store known for its focus on stocking innovative, creative pieces by Western Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.

 

The Gallery is open daily except Tuesdays, Good Friday and Christmas Day. General admission is free with donations welcomed. Some special exhibitions may require a ticket.