A MESSAGE FROM THE

When I was in high school I loved drama classes.

So much so that being in the Year 12 school production was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my education experience.

But I distinctly remember people telling me that there were no jobs in the theatre and I should focus on a more practical career choice.

When I got to university, I originally studied film.

I had dreams of being the next Martin Scorsese or Stanley Kubrick.

My friends and I spent our spare time creating short films.

Again, people told me there were no jobs in the movies (especially in Perth) and I should focus on a more practical career choice.

I eventually found my way into studying journalism, which I immediately fell in love with. And again, people told me there were no jobs in journalism and I should focus on a more practical career choice.

The difference was that by then I was confident enough in myself and my own talents to ignore the naysayers and continue doing what I love.

The rest is history.

The West Australian Pulse is incredibly proud of its sponsorship of Pulse and our driving ambition behind the partnership is to encourage, support and inspire students with a passion for the arts to keep doing what they love.

There are jobs in the arts. There is a career path there. You don’t have to go work in the mines (!) We tell a lot of stories every day at The West Australian.

The other thing we love about Pulse is that it’s a chance to listen.

More than that, it’s a chance to listen to our youth and hear their thoughts and feelings about the world today.

What is troubling them, what is inspiring them and what they want to help change.

Congratulations to all the students on display and all the students and schools who participated across the State.

May they all have a long and wonderful journey in the arts world from here on.

— Anthony De Ceglie, West Australian Newspapers Editor in Chief

Congratulations to this year’s selected artists on inclusion in The West Australian Pulse 2023 exhibition. Each year, this exhibition presents some of the best art from Western Australia’s talented young artists. Always popular, both with visitors and submitting schools, to be selected is an honour and testament to your skill and commitment to creativity.

I would like to acknowledge all the submitting artists for this year’s exhibition. With over 70 schools submitting works for selection, it is always a challenge for the judging panel to select the works for display. Thank you to the educators and families who supported our young artists over the past year.

The West Australian Pulse exhibition has been part of the cultural fabric of visual arts for young artists for over thirty years. Through its partnership with Seven West Media, I’m delighted to see The Art Gallery of Western Australia amplifying the Pulse program this year by celebrating young creatives across all art forms and championing careers in the creative industries.

Creativity remains essential in building a thriving society and fostering an innovative and inclusive culture. It’s pleasing to see the State Gallery championing this message and providing a platform for the voices of our talented young creatives.

Pulse is always an anticipated exhibition for the participating artists, their families, and the Western Australian public. Each year, I look forward to this opportunity to view the world through the lens of our young people, and this year is no different.

They are the change-makers and future-shapers for WA. I am impressed by the deeply thought and felt artworks demonstrating care, compassion and concern for our society. I am inspired and leave with a renewed belief in the importance of creativity for our community.

I urge everyone to take the opportunity to view these incredible works for themselves, hear what our young artists have to say, and continue your support of the arts in WA.

— David Templeman, MLA Minister for Culture and the Arts; Sport and Recreation; International Education; Heritage