Another star launched at record-breaking South Perth Artist Awards

In another record-breaking year, the City of South Perth announced Como artist Gabrielle Della Franca as the winner of its highly anticipated 2026 Emerging Artist Award.

The esteemed judging panel selected Ms Della Franca’s work, Uncle Simon – The Storyteller, for the $5,000 Emerging Artist Award, sponsored by Rosalin Sadler. She will also have the opportunity to exhibit her work at Heritage House, courtesy of the South Perth Historical Society. 

Created using oil pastel and oil paint, the artwork depicts respected Whadjuk Noongar Elder and educator Uncle Simon Forrest at Goorgygoogup (Miller’s Pool) in South Perth – a place of deep cultural significance to him.

Wearing a kangaroo-skin booka, traditionally worn by those who pass on stories, Uncle Simon embodies the importance of sharing knowledge across generations. The portrait reflects how people, stories and Country come together to give place meaning and foster a sense of belonging.

The judges noted that the high standard of the entries reflected a vibrant landscape of new artists emerging in Perth.

Commending the winner, they said: “This engaging artwork could have won multiple categories. 

“Not only is it well a well-executed artwork which brings natural environment to the fore, it creates a sense of belonging and connection to the beautiful place we all live.” 

This year’s awards attracted a record 309 entries from across Western Australia, with 128 finalists selected. Their works were unveiled and the winners announced at the awards ceremony on 8 October.

Mayor Greg Milner said the enduring success of the event and the calibre of the entrants demonstrated the importance of promoting creative voices.

“The City of South Perth is delighted to be a patron of the outstanding artistic talent in Western Australia and to be able to contibute to nurturing emerging talent,” he said.

“The record-breaking number of entrants and the interest in the exhibition doesn’t just demonstrate the remarkable creativity of our community; it shows just how important and inspiring art and the process of creating art can be.”

Further prizes awarded:

Local Theme Award – Cara Muir for Undercurrent

City of South Perth Resident Award – Possum Smith-Disilvio and Neish Phipps for Somewhere Among the Clouds

Secondary School Artist Award – Bell Goodridge for B

Young Artist Award – Niamh Fraser for Two Bananas and a Budweiser

First Nations Artist Award – Possum Rose for Woven Together

Painting Award – Rhoda Kirk for Transit

Sculpture/Textiles Award – Anne Bennett for Mrs Rabbit Has Some ‘Me’ Time

Works on Paper Award – Naidu Kumapatla for Parenting Symphony

Don't miss the Emerging Artist Exhibition

The 2026 Emerging Artist Exhibition runs from Friday 9 October to Saturday 17 October, 10am–4pm daily at South Perth Community Hall. The exhibition is free and, with many of the artworks listed for sale, could be the chance for you to snap up your next masterpiece.

Don’t miss our program of special events, including a Sunday Salon exploring the intersection of emerging arts practice and profession and a seniors’ afternoon tea with spots still available.

For more information on the exhibition and full program of events, visit our website. 

View the 2026 Emerging Artist Exhibition opening night photo album.