Smiling, reflective and proud, the faces of 53 Albany and Katanning residents have joined a Statewide project launched by the Western Australian Museum to celebrate diversity.

'WA Faces' is an online portrait project aimed at showcasing the people of Western Australia and their diverse and multicultural backgrounds.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said that the project is all about ‘Being Western Australian’, one of the key themes for the New Museum for Western Australia, the $428.3 million State Government-funded museum redevelopment currently being planned for the Perth Cultural Centre.

“The WA Museum should inspire us to explore and share our identities, celebrate the cultural diversity of our State, and help us understand ourselves and each other.

"WA is the most diverse State in Australia with more than 200 nationalities represented in our population and almost one third of Western Australians born overseas.  It is fascinating to hear how and why people have come to live in this State and important to reflect on what makes us proud to call ourselves Western Australians," Mr Coles said.

The 53 participants from Albany and Katanning join more than 200 Western Australians who have already joined the project since it was launched during Harmony Week 2014.

As well as their portraits, many of the project participants shared insights into what makes them proud to be Western Australian.

"I'm proud to live in a beautiful State with lots of friendly people and to be part of a great multicultural community," said Katanning resident Hayley Godfrey.

"I feel lucky to live in WA and enjoy its natural beauty and open spaces," said Albany resident Louise Campbell.

The WA Faces portraits are online at www.museum.wa.gov.au/faces.

Members of the public are encouraged to go online and upload their own portrait to the album.

Jane Rosevear
Media and Communications Officer
Western Australian Museum
(08) 6552 7805
jane.rosevear@museum.wa.gov.au