Young Artists of WA

Interview series for Propel Youth Arts WA

During my time working for Propel Youth Arts WA in 2019 to 2021, I had the privilege of interviewing and having conversations with young artists in Western Australia.

Each interview and conversation spotlighted the individual and their creative practice within the context of being a young person in WA.

We chatted about their introduction to the arts, current projects and future goals. These young people also shared their underlying thoughts, influences, and hopes and efforts of progressive change within the local arts industry and how they and their work are situated within the broader scope of our society.

From Asian representation to Indigenous identity to the lack of Black representation in media to the importance of mental wellbeing and care, each interview offers a genuine voice and perspective of being a young person connected to art.

Propel Youth Arts WA was the peak body for youth arts in WA working in collaboration with artists, organisations and communities to ensure that young people are equipped to inspire arts and culture.

After more than twenty years of festivals, mentorship and supporting countless people through key programs and projects, Propel closed its doors at the end of June 2025 due to a lack of core operational funding from the WA Government. Closure by disinvestment and the deteriorating focus on arts and culture in WA is worryingly and increasingly becoming more common.

Creative and engaged young people are vital to the fabric of any community and place. The below interviewees are only a small handful of the incredible young people in WA who were kind enough to give me their time and words.

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Hannah Ngo, August 2019
Film producer. Read more

Amaarah Samnakay, September 2019
Photographer. Read more

Zachary Sheridan, October 2019
Playwright. Read more

Sivakumar Balakrishnan, October 2019
Layanjali tabla player and teacher. Read more

Marcus Wong & David Chidgzey, November 2019
Photographer, documentary filmmaker and musician. Read part 1 and part 2

Monica Widjajana, December 2019
Art Director at Bento Box Design Studio. Read more

Ali Marbeck, January 2020
Illustrator. Read more

Patrick Gunasekera, April 2020
Writer, visual artist, photographer, theatre maker, performance artist and zealous advocate. Read more

Trent-Jean Michel, April 2020
Singer-songwriter, producer and musician. Read more

Brooke Collard, July 2020
Whadjuk Ballardong woman of the Bibbulmin nation, storyteller at heart, film writer and producer. Read more

Albertina Thabisani Ncube, July 2020
Zimbabwe-born, WA-based photographer and videographer. Read more

Cezera Critti-Schnaars, August 2020
Noongar and Greek actor. Read part 1 and part 2

Carrissa Wu, September 2020
Beeliar Boodjar-based local maker and small business owner of Jotterbook Flowers. Read more

Elsewhere/Rebecca, October 2020
Sound artist, electronic music producer and performance maker. Read more

Tasha Faye, November 2020
Photographer. Read more

Zoë Sydney, November 2020
Artist and physicist. Read more

Ryan Ng, December 2020
Visual artist. Read more

Anastasia Beasley, March 2021
Artist and arts manager. Read more

Ria Maglinao, March 2021
Walyalup-based creative and photographer. Read more

Justin Sider, April 2021
Local drag king, performing artist, musician and avid gardener. Read more