- WA Government recognises nine exceptional individuals
- State Cultural Treasures Awards (formerly State Living Treasures) running since 1998
- 46 Western Australians bestowed with this honour to date
Nine Western Australian artists have been recognised for their outstanding, lifelong contributions to the arts sector and community at the State Cultural Treasures Awards in Perth.
The ceremony at the WA Museum Boola Bardip last night acknowledged a distinguished cohort who have each made a deep and enduring impact on the Western Australian arts landscape.
The 2024 award recipients honoured were:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson AM - an artist-jeweller, historian, author and curator, who has committed a lifetime of advocacy for WA's unique landscapes, geology and flora;
- emeritus professor Geoffrey Lancaster AO - a pioneer of performance-led research and one of the world's leading early keyboard specialists;
- Peggy Griffiths Madij - a prolific artist, performer, senior cultural knowledge keeper and highly respected Elder and mentor;
- Tony Jones OAM - an artist, sculptor and educator who has created some of Western Australia's most iconic and beloved sculptures throughout his career;
- Ray Walker - one of Australia's leading professional guitarists who has contributed enormously to the Western Australian jazz scene and beyond;
- Katjarra Butler - a pioneering artist and senior Pintupi woman who is recognised as one of the most significant and unique Western Desert artists today;
- Trevor Vickers - one of the most highly-regarded contemporary visual artists working in Australia and a master of his craft;
- Jenny Davis OAM - a writer, actor and director who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to the Western Australian theatre landscape; and
- Peter Ghouse - an artist, musician, teacher, mentor and manager who has dedicated more than 50 years to the Western Australian music scene.
The first ever State Cultural Treasures Awards (formerly State Living Treasures Awards) took place in 1998 to honour senior Western Australian artists who have made a lifelong contribution to their art form and their community. The awards have been presented in 1998, 2004, 2015 and 2022.
To read more about the winners visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/State-Cultural-Treasures
Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The State Cultural Treasures Awards were inaugurated in 1998 to honour outstanding senior Western Australian artists, and a total of 46 Western Australians have been honoured to date.
"Our recipients for 2024 represent a diverse range of arts practice, but the clear connecting thread woven between these astonishing artists is a deep commitment to community. These extraordinary people have gone above and beyond to support and champion emerging artists and take care of their communities.
"Congratulations to the 2024 Treasures and thank you for your contribution to a vibrant, dynamic and inclusive Western Australian arts community."
