The Deadly Sista Girlz art exhibition, titled Bardip Koorliny Stories Moving Through Time, will be held at Central Park lobby from July 2 to 10, showcasing works from students involved in the Waalitj Foundation’s Deadly Sista Girlz program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls.
Exhibition Highlights Emerging and Established Artists
The exhibition brings together works from students exhibiting for the first time, as well as alumni and established artists connected to the program. This year’s exhibition includes established artists Jacinta Anderson (Noongar), a Deadly Sista Girlz staff member; Erika Fernandez (Yamatji Naaguja), a Deadly Sista Girlz alumni and former staff member; and Georgia King (Meriam Mer), a former Deadly Sista Girlz staff member. They are joined by alumni artists Tara Lee Bartlett (Wadjuk Noongar) and Imogen Buckley (Noongar).
Student Voices and Cultural Pride
Deadly Sista Girlz student and Wadjuk Noonger woman Alaska Headland-Cash said the exhibition provides an important platform for young artists. “What makes this exhibition stand out for me is that it’s created especially for young, upcoming artists. It gives people like me a real space to showcase my artwork,” she said. “Being part of this exhibition means a lot because it lets me express my life through paintings and show that to people. This experience pushes me to keep painting, to explore new ideas, and to grow my future as an artist.”
Program Impact and Community Support
The Deadly Sista Girlz program aims to build confidence, cultural pride, school engagement and future pathways. Now in its third year, the exhibition is supported by HIF. Central Park general manager Tim Ward said the partnership with Waalitj Foundation has become a meaningful part of the precinct’s NAIDOC Week program. “This marks the third year of our partnership with Waalitj Foundation to celebrate NAIDOC Week in the heart of Perth, and each year we are reminded of the power of art to stop people in their tracks,” Mr Ward said. “These are some of the most moving works of First Nations art, carrying stories of culture, identity, strength and connection. We are proud to provide a platform where these young artists, alumni and established artists can be seen, celebrated and appreciated by the wider community.”
Centering Young Women’s Stories
Waalitj Foundation Deadly Sista Girlz program manager Anita Shipley said the exhibition centres young women’s stories. “Art has always been a way for our young women to share who they are and where they come from. What makes this exhibition so special is that it puts our girls’ stories at the forefront,” she said. “Every artwork reflects a moment of growth, identity and pride, and seeing those stories displayed alongside established artists shows our young women that their culture and creativity is valued. It’s not just about mentoring; it’s about creating opportunities for our girls to be seen, celebrated and confident in who they are.”
Participating Schools
Student works have been submitted from schools including Darling Range Sports College, Governor Stirling SHS, Halls Head College, John Tonkin College, Sevenoaks Senior College, Southern River College, Northam SHS, St Mary’s College, Thornbury High School, Champion Bay SHS, Thornlie SHS, Fremantle College, Yule Brook College and Armadale SHS.
