Mandurah’s Emerging Artists Take Centre Stage with SONDER

The Mez Arts Space was full of energy and excitement on Monday night as friends, family and members of the Mandurah community came together to celebrate the opening of SONDER, the inaugural exhibition of the Mandurah Youth Arts Collective.

Bringing together eight emerging artists aged 16–25, the Collective is ManPAC’s first nine-week contemporary visual arts development program of its kind, giving young local artists the opportunity to develop their creative practice while learning what goes into creating an exhibition.

SONDER describes the recognition that every person we encounter is living a life as intricate, private and complete as our own. The eight artists — Kiara Ettridge, Mia Hughes, Zack Pickett, Bella Richmond, Paisley Sharp, Rachel Huang, Xanthe Turner and Tabitha Wheeler — each explored the theme through their own perspectives, touching on ideas of family, memory, identity, communication, difference and everyday experience.

The opening night was a chance to share the results of those nine weeks with the community. Mark Labrow, ManPAC’s Community Engagement Coordinator, and program facilitator Teagan Crouch spoke about creating and delivering the inaugural program, while Collective member Xanthe Turner shared her experience of working alongside fellow artists and developing the exhibition together.

From visual journalling and artwork development through to artist statements, marketing, documentation, installation and curation, the artists have had a hands-on introduction to the many stages of creating an exhibition — taking their ideas from the workshop space to the gallery walls in just nine weeks.

With the Mez Arts Space filled with supporters on opening night, there was plenty of excitement about what this talented group might create next. SONDER marks the beginning of the Collective’s journey, and we can’t wait to see where their creative practices take them across the Peel arts scene and beyond.

SONDER is on display at the Mez Arts Space until 30 October 2026, Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm.

The Mandurah Youth Arts Collective was proudly presented by Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, with generous support from the John and Bella Perry Foundation, with Community Bank Halls Head supporting The Mez Arts Space.