Young First Nations artists from schools across Western Australia will have their stories showcased in the heart of Boorloo's CBD this NAIDOC Week, as part of a major exhibition celebrating culture, identity and the next generation of creative female voices.

Running from July 2-10 in the Central Park Lobby, the Deadly Sista Girlz Art Exhibition: Bardip Koorliny Stories Moving Through Time will feature works from students involved in Waalitj Foundation's Deadly Sista Girlz program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls, designed to build confidence, cultural pride, school engagement and future pathways.

Bardip Koorliny Stories Moving Through Time, reflects the way stories, culture and creativity continue to move across generations, carried by young women, mentors, alumni and artists connected through the Deadly Sista Girlz community.

The exhibition will bring together generations of Deadly Sista Girlz voices, from students exhibiting for the first time to alumni and established artists who continue to lead, inspire and strengthen the program's creative community.

Deadly Sista Girlz student and Wadjuk Noonger woman, Alaska Headland-Cash, said the exhibition is an important opportunity for young artists to be seen.

"What makes this exhibition stand out for me is that it's created especially for young, upcoming artists," she said.

"It gives people like me a real space to showcase my artwork. Being part of this exhibition means a lot because it lets me express my life through paintings and show that to people.

"This experience pushes me to keep painting, to explore new ideas, and to grow my future as an artist."

This year's exhibition will feature established artists Jacinta Anderson (Noongar), current Deadly Sista Girlz staff member; Erika Fernandez (Yamatji Naaguja), Deadly Sista Girlz alumni; previous Deadly Sista Girlz staff member; and Georgia King (Meriam Mer), previous Deadly Sista Girlz staff member.

They will all be joined by alumni artists Tara Lee Bartlett (Wadjuk Noongar) and Imogen Buckley (Noongar).

Now in its third year, Central Park general manager Tim Ward said the partnership with Waalitj Foundation to deliver a moving First Nations exhibition has become a meaningful part of Central Park's NAIDOC Week program.

"This marks the third year of our partnership with Waalitj Foundation to celebrate NAIDOC Week in the heart of Perth, and each year we are reminded of the power of art to stop people in their tracks," he said.

"These are some of the most moving works of First Nations art, carrying stories of culture, identity, strength and connection.

"We are proud to provide a platform where these young artists, alumni and established artists can be seen, celebrated and appreciated by the wider community."

Student works have been submitted from schools including Darling Range Sports College, Governor Stirling Senior High School, Halls Head College, John Tonkin College, Sevenoaks Senior College, Southern River College, Northam Senior High School, St Mary's College, Thornbury High School, Champion Bay Senior High School, Thornlie Senior High School, Fremantle College, Yule Brook College, and Armadale Senior High School.

Waalitj Foundation Deadly Sista Girlz Program manager Anita Shipley said the exhibition placed young women's stories at the forefront.

"Art has always been a way for our young women to share who they are and where they come from," she said.

"What makes this exhibition so special is that it puts our girls' stories at the forefront. Every artwork reflects a moment of growth, identity and pride, and seeing those stories displayed alongside established artists shows our young women that their culture and creativity is valued.

"It's not just about mentoring; it's about creating opportunities for our girls to be seen, celebrated and confident in who they are," said Shipley."

The exhibition, supported by HIF, will be located at Central Park, Ground Floor Lobby, 152/158 St Georges Terrace, Perth, and open to the public from the 2nd to 10th of July 2026.

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