St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts

Supporting and promoting music and the arts at St George’s Cathedral

As the focus of a community’s social and cultural life, the medieval cathedrals of Europe were more than places of worship.

They provided a space where the people would gather to watch musicians, actors and dancers tell stories through the performance of mystery plays.

Today, many cathedrals continue this tradition by providing a unique performance and exhibition space for the celebration of music and the creative arts.

The purpose of the Foundation

St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts Inc. was established in 1997. Its object is to raise funds for the support of music and the arts associated with the Cathedral.

It supports the music of the Cathedral’s liturgical worship as well as concerts, recitals, festivals, exhibitions, theatrical productions and recordings.

The Cathedral as a concert venue

The Cathedral is often the venue for vocal soloists and musical ensembles, recitals and concerts featuring the Cathedral organists and guest artists – many of international standing.

The Foundation’s support ensures that many performances can be held in the Cathedral that would otherwise not be possible.

The Concerts at One recitals featuring school ensembles and guest artists are held on selected Wednesdays from May to September, offering talented young musicians an opportunity to perform in a beautiful setting.

St George’s Cathedral Choir

The Foundation has been active in maintaining and developing the resources and encouraging the standard of the St George’s Cathedral Choir, which in recent years has achieved an enviable reputation throughout Australia and beyond.

In return, the Choir offers the Cathedral’s congregation a quality experience of sacred music that stretches over some 500 years of Christian worship, immeasurably contributing to the devotional atmosphere of our beautiful Cathedral.

The Choir has toured internationally through the support of the Foundation, presenting an opportunity to develop their skills in cathedrals and venues around the world, while raising the profile of St George’s on a global stage.

Art exhibitions, drama, theatre, dance and other projects

Since its inception in 2003, the Cathedral Art Awards and Exhibition (St George’s Art) has become a prestigious annual event in the City of Perth and the Cathedral. The Exhibition provides an excellent platform for students in Western Australian secondary schools to exhibit their work. Many go on to exhibit at the Year 12 Perspectives exhibition at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Over many years, St George’s Cathedral has also been the venue for dramatic performances, ballet and festivals.

“Innocence” by Tyson Rauh, Corpus Christi College, winner of the People’s Choice Award, St George’s Art 2009

How you can support the Arts Foundation

Email us at appeal@perthcathedral.org to find out how your contribution can help support music and the arts at St George’s.

The St George’s Cathedral Foundation for the Arts Inc. is a tax deductible fund, donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.