At St George’s Cathedral, the months of June and July are busier than usual, as July brings with it St George’s Cathedral Art – an annual exhibition of works by senior art students from Western Australian schools. At this time there is a flurry of activity within the Cathedral precinct with a steady stream of couriers and teachers making deliveries of all shapes and sizes, vergers treading a well-worn path between the Cathedral and Burt Memorial Hall to store said deliveries, emails being sent to and fro, and numerous phone calls! This event keeps us all very busy but it is also incredibly rewarding.
St George’s Cathedral Art came into being twenty-four years ago when Richard Flanigan, former Director of the Education Centre at the Cathedral, instigated the far-sighted initiative of establishing an annual exhibition of art by secondary school students. The exhibition began very modestly with a small number of schools participating. This number has grown considerably over the years. There are now approximately fifty schools statewide contributing annually. We are delighted to be receiving work from Albany, Mundijong, and South Yunderup, and of course schools in the metropolitan area – both government and independent.
The exhibition is accessible to all students – there being no entry fee. Currently a far greater diversity of schools and also a very varied and wonderful range of Art – including two and three dimensional works, together with digital and mixed media pieces – has ensured this event has a high degree of variety, depth and dynamism. This function is a highlight of the year – not only for the Cathedral – but also for participating schools. It is now considered a precursor to The West Australian Pulse at the Art Gallery of WA.
Audience at the 2025 Exhibtion. Photo by David Broadway.
One of the highlights for me personally is to observe the joy on the faces of the students, their families and friends when they enter the incredibly beautiful interior of the Cathedral (many for the first time) and see their art on display. It is also wonderful to witness the pleasure experienced by those who ‘come in’ simply because they ‘saw the sign’ and those who make the annual pilgrimage to the Cathedral for this happening.
Most people who view the exhibition are dumbfounded by the outstanding ability and talent of the young artists. What a privilege it is to co-ordinate the exhibition and to engage with all those involved.
This involvement certainly encompasses the warm, generous-hearted volunteers who assist with the day to day running of this nine-day event. Without their invaluable help, this exhibition simply would not be possible. My heartfelt gratitude to you all.
If you’re looking for a pleasant way to while away an hour or so on a winter day, we would love to welcome you to St George’s Cathedral Art 2026. The exhibition will run from Saturday 18 July until Sunday 26 July. The exhibition is open between 10am and 4pm (12 noon until 4pm on Sundays), and entry is by gold coin donation. Catalogues will be available for $15, and come with a People’s Choice voting slip. If you would like to attend the Gala Awards Night on Thursday 23 July, 6.30pm, tickets ($20 or $10 concession) are available via Trybooking.
St George’s Cathedral Art 2026 is proudly supported by the Anglican Community Fund, St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts (Inc), AngliSchools, Jacksons, Kalamunda Lions private donations and corporate sponsorship. Donations to the St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts (Inc) in support of the exhibition are tax deductible.
Josephine Christmass
Cathedral Secretary and Executive Assistant
Exhibition Coordinator
Jo at the 2025 Exhibition next to a portrait of her sister Celia. Photo by David Broadway.
More details on the event can be found here:
