Chief Executive of the Western Australian Museum, Alec Coles (pictured) has been named the 2021 Arts and Culture Western Australian of the Year.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman said Mr Coles had led the development of the $400 million Government-funded WA Museum Boola Bardip in the Perth Cultural Centre.
“Mr Coles has been at the helm of the WA Museum for 11 years, leading it through some exceptional times, including the opening of the stunning new WA Museum Boola Bardip,” Mr Templeman said.
“Since it opened in November last year, more than 460,000 people have visited the new location,” he said.
“The museum is unique in its focus on what it means to be Western Australian, sharing the stories of our people, places and experiences, and examining WA’s relationship with the rest of the world.”
He said Boola Bardip meant “many stories” in Noongar language.
“It acknowledges that the museum sits on Whadjuk Noongar land and celebrates the shared cultural heritage of the 2.65 million people who call Western Australia home,” the Minister said.
“I sincerely congratulate Alec Coles on his outstanding achievement in delivering such an exciting, engaging, inspiring museum for the people of Western Australia.
The WA Museum Boola Bardip is one of seven public museums that sit under the Western Australian Museum banner.
The Government has committed to providing free general admission to Boola Bardip for at least the first 18 months of operation. Children under the age of 15 will always be provided with free general admission.
