Formerly known as the Lions Club Art Awards Kalamunda, the City took ownership of the event in 2024 to elevate its profile and showcase a diverse range of multidisciplinary artworks by talented artists from across Western Australia. Now in its second year, the 2025 Awards received more than double the number of submissions compared to the previous year.

Following a rigorous selection process, 81 outstanding works were shortlisted for exhibition

The 2025 Kalamunda Art Awards winners include:

• Overall Prize: Kerry Richardson for Estuary, a collage work that blends seascapes from Albany, Margaret River and the Royal National Park in Sutherland to create evocative, storytelling-based landscapes, rather than specific locations.
• Local Winner: John Eden for Calamunda Cairn, a sculptural marker made from melted car remnants found in the Perth Hills, symbolising unseen events beyond the region’s usual perception.
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Prize: Cole Baxter for A Third Blak, A Third Blak, A Third Blak which challenges the colonial fixation on Indigenous identity percentages, asserting an unapologetic and diverse expression of Blackfulla identity.

The final Award category of People’s Choice Award will be determined by popular vote at the conclusion of the exhibition.

Mayor Margaret Thomas highlighted the significance of supporting the arts community, stating "The Kalamunda Art Awards celebrate the incredible creativity and talent within the arts sector. It’s inspiring to see so many artists share their work and we are privileged to have them on display in our City.”

"The growth in submissions this year is a testament to the thriving arts scene. We are proud to provide a platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect with the community”.

The City of Kalamunda extends its congratulations to all participating artists and invites the community to experience the exhibition. It is free to enter and open to the public from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays. All winning and shortlisted artwork will be on display at the Zig Zag Gallery from Saturday 15 March to Sunday 6 April 2025 and is available for purchase.

The City extends its appreciation to sponsor White Room Framing Studios, as well as the pre-selection judges, Stirling Kain (Festival Coordinator, Indian Ocean Craft Triennial) and Jessica Knight (Artistic Program Manager). Special thanks also to the Award judges, Gemma Ben-Ary (Curator, Perth Institute of Contemporary Art) and Ron Bradfield Jr (Independent Curator, Artist, and Storyteller).

For more information, visit www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au, call (08) 9257 9999, or email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

Photo credits: Danica Zuks

Image 1, L-R: Angela Eastman (White Room Framing Studios), Kerry Richardson (Overall Prize Winner), Mayor Margaret Thomas & John Eden (Local Winner)

Image 2, L-R: Angela Eastman (White Room Framing Studios), Cole Baxter (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Prize) & Mayor Margaret Thomas

Image 3: Kerry Richardson, Overall Prize Winner

Image 4: John Eden, Local Winner

Image 5: Cole Baxter, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Winner