36 years ago it was an inspiring idea.
Today the idea continues to inspire.
Australian Conductor Tom Woods, 1989 award recipient.Nurture Talent
Australian Conductor Tom Woods was the second major recipient of our award (formerly known as the Mundaring Bicentennial Scholarship Award). Since 1988 we have awarded more than $184,000 to more than 80 talented creatives. Funding for the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts is provided through a generous annual contribution from Robert Juniper’s widow Patricia and Juniper Galleries, and further supplemented by fundraising by the Trust, annual subscriptions from Friends of the Trust, and donations.
We would like to invite you to become a Friend of the Trust and help us to continue to give young creative people the opportunity to realise their dream.
Patricia Juniper, Gallery Director of Juniper Galleries | Image by David BiesseRJAFTA Patron and Sponsor Trish Juniper, Director of Juniper Galleries
Trish and Bob Juniper shared a passion for the arts. After Bob’s stroke in 2002, Trish travelled from the UK to Australia to visit Bob. During her visit they were both injured in a car accident, and Trish’s injuries extended her stay in WA. The extension of this time strengthened the bond between them, and they married in December 2003 in the beautiful rural setting of their Darlington home.
Trish Juniper’s role in caring and supporting her husband cannot be underestimated. She was the driving force behind her husband's creative genius during the later years of his life, and his practical stalwart - being his full-time assistant each day in the studio, and providing the optimism and energy to rebuild his health. Together Trish and Bob held 14 solo exhibitions and numerous mixed exhibitions. Trish encouraged and helped Bob to remain in the public mindset as an iconic Australian artist of significance. Trish was instrumental in 2009 in the quintessential Robert Juniper book by Gavin Fry, and for Bob receiving his deserved AM in 2011 for his commitment to the arts. The year before he died Bob was commissioned to design the stained glass windows of the new Bunbury Cathedral, which was consecrated in 2011. Also in 2011 Bob and Trish Juniper opened Juniper Galleries. Since then the Galleries have become a focal point, for both the Juniper memory and for artists throughout Western Australia. With her endless energy, optimism and passion, Trish continues the revered legacy of Robert Juniper and has established the Juniper Galleries as an important venue for emerging and established artists.
The Trustees of the RJAFTA sincerely thank Patricia Juniper and Juniper Galleries for the generous contribution of sponsorship, which will ensure the continuation of the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts. The Trustees would also like to thank Trish for enthusiastically accepting their invitation to be Patron. We are excited for this new chapter in our 36 year history and delighted that Patricia Juniper will be sharing the journey with us.
Richard Woldendorp Photographer | Image by Ron DullardVale RJAFTA Emeritus Patron Richard Woldendorp, iconic Western Australian photographer
Robert Juniper was a wonderful patron for the Trust. Following his passing in December 2012 the search was on for his replacement. Happily a Juniper contemporary, Richard Woldendorp, accepted the invitation to become our second ever patron. Richard became Emeritus Patron in 2022, joining Patron Patricia Juniper, of Juniper Galleries. Sadly, Richard passed away in April 2023.
Richard’s standing in the world of art, especially photography, in this State and Australia-wide will live on through the several wonderful books of his photographs that can still be purchased and enjoyed. The Trust will always be grateful for the support of Richard. He was a part of our history too.
RJAFTA Chair Michael Ryan, Secretary Chris Durrant, and all the Trustees extend their heartfelt sympathy to Richard’s wife Lyn and his family. He will long be remembered for his contribution not only to our Award, but for his extensive contribution and participation in the Western Australian arts.
Become a Friend
The Trustees acknowledge with gratitude the financial support and interest of Friends of the Trust. Friends contribute $25 annually towards the award, receive invitations to events and a certificate recognising their support.
If you would like to become a Friend of the Trust, please click the button below .
Make a donation
You can help a young person elevate their artistic profile!
As a not for profit community organisation in the Mundaring Shire, we rely on fund-raising activities organised and conducted by the Trust, and the generous support of community and corporate donations from people with a passion for nurturing creative talent. Your support enables us to provide Award Recipients with beneficial funds to further their creative endeavours and dreams.
Thank You.