Welcome to the 2026 Young Originals online gallery and catalogue, an inspiring showcase of creativity, imagination and artistic excellence from Western Australian public school students.
Now in its seventeenth year, Young Originals continues to be proudly hosted by the Western Australian Secondary School Executives’ Association (WASSEA), in partnership with the Sangora Education Foundation, North Metropolitan TAFE and the Department of Education. This exhibition celebrates the strength of visual arts education across our state and the extraordinary talents of our young artists and designers.
This year, the Young Originals exhibition returned to its original venue, Gallery Central at North Metropolitan TAFE, where visitors experienced a dynamic and thought-provoking collection of student artworks. We are delighted to now share these works with a wider audience through this online gallery, designed to be interactive, inclusive and engaging. Here, you can explore each piece in detail, filter works by school, and read artist statements that provide insight into the students’ creative journeys, influences and intentions.
In 2026, more than 200 entries were submitted from metropolitan and regional schools, reflecting the enthusiasm, creativity and commitment of students and teachers across Western Australia. The judging panel faced a challenging task in selecting the final exhibition, with 106 outstanding works from 35 schools ultimately chosen for display. The diversity of themes, ranging from identity and culture to environment and technology, reflects the evolving concerns, experiences and passions of young people today. Each artwork is a testament to student voice: authentic, thoughtful and often deeply personal.
These works also reflect the dedication and expertise of our visual arts, media and design teachers, whose guidance and encouragement help students develop technical skills, build confidence and bring their ideas to life. Their commitment to fostering creativity in the classroom is evident in every brushstroke, sketch, stitch and digital composition.
I acknowledge the Young Originals organising committee and contributors whose efforts made this event possible: Cathie Bonner, Jodie Mellor, Karen Lamond and Nathan Colgan from the Department of Education; Brendan Hibbert, graphic and website designer and Head of Program, Visual Arts and Short Courses, Art and Design, North Metropolitan TAFE; Predrag Delibasich, Acting Gallery Manager, Head of Program and exhibition curator; and Miranda Brown, General Manager at Linton & Kay Galleries and member of the judging panel.
On behalf of WASSEA and our partners, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all students and teachers who participated this year. Congratulations to those whose work was selected for exhibition. The 2026 collection is bold, insightful and full of heart, capturing the essence of what it means to be a Young Original.
MELISSA GILLETT
President: WASSEA
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