‘‘artbeat’’ Youth Mentorship Programme Winners Announced

‘‘artbeat’’ Youth Mentorship Programme Winners Announced

Celebrating the Next Generation of Artists View Their Work Here

Yallingup Galleries is proud to announce the winners of the ‘artbeat’ Youth Mentorship Program 2025. This year’s talented finalists captivated the judges with their deeply personal, thought-provoking and technically accomplished works across a range of media.

The winning artist, Angus Bowskill, was awarded the ‘artbeat’ Youth Mentorship Prize for his digital media work “Drain.” His piece explores the painterly and textural qualities of digital images through the redaction and distortion of a photograph of a rusty shower drain.

Angus will now embark on a 12-month mentorship that includes exclusive gallery representation, gallery career coaching, professional artist mentor sessions with artists Master Printmaker - Leon Pericles AM and Archibald Finalist - Christophe Domergue and positive psychology coaching from Louise Foddy from Coach with Louise.

Second prize was awarded to Kathleen Clifton for her acrylic painting “Whale Shark Swimming.” A 17-year-old Nyikina, Kokatha, Njamal, and Nyul Nyul artist, Kathleen’s work honours family and Country, radiating joy and connection to coastal life in WA’s north. The $1,000 cash prize was generously sponsored by Trish Pepper at Treehouse Broome.

Ava Komnick received the third prize, sponsored by Happs Pottery, for “Portrait of a Man,” an oil painting that honours her grandfather with delicate brushwork and emotional depth. The award sponsored by Happs Pottery includes $500 in cash and ceramic classes with master potter Myles Happ.

Jessica Kennedy was the recipient of the Judges Choice Award, presented by Hilton Garden Inn Busselton. Her nostalgic oil painting “Skipping Through the Karri” portrays the serene Boranup Forest through broken colour technique and loose gestural movement. The prize includes a one-night stay with breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn and a public display of her artwork.

Noa Williams was awarded the Open Studios Pathway Award, receiving free entry into the 2026 Margaret River Region Open Studios. Noa’s experimental print series “HOLIDAY=72 (Aunty Sheila)” explores memory and inherited stories through the use of altered 1970s postcards.

The ‘artbeat’ Mentorship Program supports emerging artists aged 17–21 and offers professional development including gallery representation, coaching, mentoring, and an alumni support network. 

All finalist artworks are currently on view at Yallingup Galleries from 5–13 July 2025.

The gallery thanks sponsors Treehouse Broome, Happs Pottery, Hilton Garden Inn Busselton, Margaret River Region Open Studios, and the City of Busselton for their generous support of this initiative. 

Applications for ‘artbeat’ 2026 are now open.

Young artists aged 17–21 are encouraged to apply via the application form available at www.yallingupgalleries.com.au. 

Media Contact:

Emma Skinner
Director, Yallingup Galleries
info@yallingupgalleries.com.au
www.yallingupgalleries.com.au