Smiling, reflective and proud, the faces of 84 Mid West 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 New Museum Project Director Julie Finch 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,” Ms Finch said.

"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."

The 84 participants from Geraldton and surrounding towns join more than 350 Western Australians including those from Perth, Albany and Kalgoorlie who have already participated in the project since its launch during Harmony Week this year.

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

"Our wonderful openness of space, of land and of minds and hearts," said Geraldton resident Andrea Selvey.

"I’ve become very attached to the beauty of Western Australia’s nature and landscapes," said French-born resident Cassie Arangio.

The WA Faces portraits can be seen 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 Publicity Officer
Western Australian Museum
(08) 6552 7805
jane.rosevear@museum.wa.gov.au