Intro
The $3,000 award, a joint initiative between the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport, and The Art Gallery of Western Australia reflects a shared commitment to championing the achievements of emerging artists.
Made in Australia - part of The West Australian Pulse Exhibition 2026 - has now been acquired by the Department.
Miss Ho is a graduate from Santa Maria College and said her piece explores the tension she experiences as an Australian of Chinese Malaysian heritage, and the questions of belonging that arose from being raised differently to her peers as the child of immigrants.
“Having my work exhibited at AGWA alongside so many other talented students was such an amazing and surreal experience. It felt especially meaningful knowing that achieving something like this was one of my dreams when I was younger,” she said.
“Both receiving this award and having the opportunity to have my work in The West Australian Pulse 2026 has encouraged me to keep challenging myself and to continue working toward opportunities like this.”
The award acknowledges Ms Ho's achievement in the visual arts and reflects the strategic outcomes both organisations aim to deliver for Western Australian youth, advocating for the importance of arts in education, supporting emerging artists, and genuinely amplifying the voices of young people.
The West Australian Pulse 2026 celebrates 34 years and features 63 works by 2025 Year 12 Visual Arts graduates from 43 schools across WA. This year’s exhibition delivered an exciting range of artistic approaches with the final selection showcasing the highest calibre of artworks produced across the State.