Arts and culture
Your place
for culture
UWA is a cultural hub for the people of Western Australia and visitors to our state.
Our wide range of arts and cultural activities span the fields of music, theatre, museums, galleries, publishing and more. Between festivals, children’s events, exhibitions and regular markets, there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether student, staff or community member.
Since 1953, when UWA Professor Fred Alexander brought his vision to life of a ‘festival for the people’ in what’s now known as Perth Festival, the University has continued the tradition of bringing people together to experience and enjoy the arts.
We’re proud to offer a vibrant collection of programs, displays and performances to all people of Western Australia, contributing to our state’s rich and diverse cultural scene. We welcome you to join us on campus and discover for yourself.
Museums and galleries
The grounds of UWA are dotted with arts and cultural treasures for everyone to enjoy. Beyond sculptures, installations and murals outside, step inside the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, or experience the major cultural collections in the Berndt Museum, the Cruthers Collection of Women’s Art and the University of Western Australia Art Collection.
Venues and Theatres
The University of Western Australia’s Perth campus is a distinctive mix of heritage architecture and contemporary buildings set among beautiful gardens and open spaces. University Theatres’ venues are a focal point for events, performances and activations. See UWA's many venues and theatres that support and enhance the cultural experience of UWA.
Perth Festival
In 1953 UWA Professor Fred Alexander brought to life his vision of a ‘festival for the people’. This festival continues today as Australia’s premier curated arts festival and one of the greatest in the world.
A beloved part of the Perth Festival program, UWA’s Somerville Auditorium plays host to the best of world cinema each year. Pack a picnic, grab a deckchair and sit back under the stars, admiring the majestic cathedral of Norfolk pine trees.
Stroll through the heritage-listed gardens of UWA and you’ll find many a work of art to take in. Sculptures, murals and artworks are installed around the grounds and inside major buildings on the Perth campus, including the Octagon and Dolphin theatres, the Sunken Garden, Somerville Auditorium and the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery. This fusion of culture, nature and learning provides visitors to campus with a unique experience in Western Australia.
Upcoming events
Arts and culture news
Working with the arts industry and community
Collaborations
UWA is a proud partner of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the West Australian Opera, bringing together the highest quality music education with the State’s most talented and successful musicians, and providing students with access to rehearsals, performances and experiences.
Connections
Our Music and Fine Arts programs allow students to realise their full creative potential. We’re proud to have an established network of connections and our corporate supporters influence our courses and teaching practices to stay at the forefront of industry trends and developments. They also provide guest lectures, case studies, mentoring and placement opportunities to support students to achieve at the highest level.
Programs
UWA’s Conservatorium of Music is committed to supporting the continued development of young musicians by providing a wide range of classes and activities that support and promote music for everybody in the community. Learn more about UWA’s Junior Music School and other community programs.
UWA Collected
UWA cares for a diverse range of internationally significant cultural, historical and research collections. UWA Collected is their digital home, where they’re preserved for future generations.
Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just culturally curious, there’s something for you to discover. Step back in time with centuries-old hand-painted maps. Immerse yourself in Australian and international music and ethnomusicology. Peruse the archive of our student magazine Pelican and see the student perspective.
Explore all this and much more amongst thousands of records in our growing digital collections from across the University.
UWA Publishing
