Presentation of State Living Treasures Awards to 11 outstanding artists

21/10/98

Eleven Western Australian artists have been recognised for their lifelong contributions to the arts.

Arts Minister Peter Foss presented the awards at the Kings Park Function Centre.

The Minister initiated the State Living Treasures Awards to honour those artists whose lifetime work has enhanced the artistic and cultural life of WA, providing inspiration for other artists and enriching the community.

"Some years ago, I discussed the idea of honouring some of our most distinguished and accomplished artists in WA," Mr Foss said.

"This State is extremely fortunate to have among its arts community some of the most distinguished and celebrated artists who also enjoy national and international reputation for their work.

"This award is a fitting tribute and expression of appreciation to 11 very special people who have given so much to WA."

Awards were presented to:

·      Madame Kira Bousloff for her outstanding contribution to dance, her achievement in founding the West Australian Ballet and for bringing great inspiration, flare and international standard to dance;

·      Madame Alice Carrard for her contribution to music, her achievements as a concert pianist and as an outstanding teacher of students who have gained international reputations;

·      Peter Cowan for his work in literature, his achievements as a short story writer, biographer and novelist and for his support through teaching and editing to generations of Western Australians;

·      Jack Davis in the field of literature particularly his achievements as a writer, playwright and poet and for his work that has brought a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture to the wider community;

·      Margaret Ford for her outstanding contribution to the performing arts, her achievements in film, television and as a stage actor and for her generosity of spirit that has enriched and enhanced the work of her colleagues;

·      Vaughan Hanly for his achievements in music and his outstanding contribution as a musician, composer, conductor and teacher and for inspiring young musicians and for contributing to the professional standard of the State Symphony Orchestra;

·      Elizabeth Jolley for her outstanding achievements to literature, her work as a novelist, poet, short fiction writer, dramatist and educator, for nurturing young writers and instilling a love of literature throughout Australia;

·      Robert Juniper for his outstanding work in the visual arts, his achievements as a painter, sculptor, designer and educator and for his generosity to other artists;

·      Queenie McKenzie for her outstanding contribution to the visual arts, particularly her achievements as a powerful narrative landscape painter and for her teaching of art and language in the community;

·      Paul Sampi for his outstanding contribution to Aboriginal art and culture, his achievements as a custodian and craftsman of ceremonial instruments and boomerangs and for bringing the culture of the Kimberley to the wider community; and -

·      Howard Taylor for his outstanding contribution to the visual arts, his achievements as a painter, sculptor, graphic artist and teacher and particularly for his public artworks and his strong personal interpretations of the South-West.

A panel of distinguished members of the arts community was set up to select the winners of the awards. They were:

Andrew Taylor (chair) - writer and Professor of English at Edith Cowan University;

Margaret Seares - chair, Australia Council;

Richard Walley - leading Australian Indigenous artist;

Alan Dodge - director, Art Gallery of Western Australia;

Chrissie Parrott - choreographer, teacher; and -

Duncan Ord - acting director, Academy of Performing Arts.

"A special Commemorative Book will also be published next year and will feature each of the 11 artists receiving the award and background on each artist and their work," Mr Foss said.

"It is appropriate that we honour our State Living Treasures with a beautiful pin made from our State's rich treasures of gold and diamonds, and I want to thank Felicity Peters, who designed the State Living Treasures pin.

"Felicity spent a lot of time on the project and also designed the wooden box to complement the pin and our thanks must go to Peter Lowe who made the box.

"I would also like to thank Sons of Gwalia and Argyle Diamonds who sponsored the gold and diamonds for the pins.

"The winners of the awards today have contributed greatly to WA and I am pleased that at last we can honour them in such a way."

Media contact: Chris Morris 9321 2222