Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti wants to see more Whadjuk works in the annual art awards.

WHADJUK Noongar artists are in demand as Bayswater seeks to diversify its art holdings with more local Aboriginal art.

Bayswater council opens entries for its annual Community Arts Awards in September and to encourage more works telling Whadjuk stories there’ll be a new $5,000 acquisitive award for a work by a local Aboriginal artist.

It’ll be the equal richest prize among the 10 award categories, matching the existing acquisitive $5,000 open award.

Mayor Filomena Piffaretti moved the motion to create the new award in time for the 12th annual Community Art Awards, and got unanimous backing from councillors at their last meeting. 

“I think it’s really important we support the creation of works produced by local Aboriginal artists, and give more opportunities for people to share the unique stories of WA’s Whadjuk Noongar peoples,” Ms Piffaretti said.

“This new category will help to encourage the visibility, expression and preservation of traditional and contemporary Aboriginal cultures, communities and identities” in line with the council’s reconciliation action plan and its cultural plan. 

The name for the award will be decided on after consultation with local Aboriginal elders.