Our People

Diana Warnock OAM  – As We Are Patron

Patron of As We Are from 2013 to 2022, Diana Warnock OAM, is a strong believer that art is a crucial part of society. 

Diana had just left a notable career in politics, full of energy and positivity when she became the inaugural patron of the As We Are Art Awards. It is a project that combines Diana’s life-long advocacy of the arts with her passionate humanitarianism, and she has remained its strongest supporter through As We Are’s 20-year journey.

A former Western Australian state politician in the arts and minority interests, Diana’s ‘voice’ took her into radio broadcasting and journalism where she became an influential advocate for women’s rights, pro-choice, pro-multicultural and ethnic affairs and, of course, the arts. In 1999 she was named the Australian Humanist of the Year by the Council of Australian Humanist Societies. Her contribution on countless boards and in support of performing arts bodies, such as WAAPA, the UWA School of Music and the WA Symphony Orchestra, is highly regarded. 

This is the work she feels most proud of and the As We Are Awards couldn’t be prouder to have the patronage of such an accomplished and influential social leader.

Diana’s extensive personal art collection includes As We Are pieces from artists such as Rebecca Johnston, Sam Guest, David Brandstater, Warren Wells and Katrina Barber.

She praises the artistic talent on show in the Awards, noting these artists like David Guhl and Clive Collender, are to be respected and admired for their talents as we do any other accomplished artist. 

Diana epitomises an essential value of the As We Are Awards mission – see the artist before the disability. 

David Guhl – Artist

David has been entering As We Are since its inception and we have been honoured to have him as a judge as well for the last 10 years.

Best known for his vibrant Western Australian landscapes, Dave began exhibiting his art work in 2001, and has submitted and exhibited many works into numerous art awards including the Town of Vincent Art Award and the As We Art art award and exhibition.

In 2008 Dave held his first solo art exhibition Truly, Madly, Delightful, at the Perth Town Hall. Opened by then Deputy Premier Hon Eric Ripper and the City of Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, all 26 of Dave’s art works were sold on the opening night!In 2009, Dave was involved in an art exhibition at the Perth Town Hall, The Three Dave’s, featuring himself, David Giles and David Mitchell. Following form, the ten works Dave entered into the exhibition were sold at the exhibition opening! While it seems there is no end in sight to the number of art awards Dave will continue to win, to date Dave has racked up six awards including winning First Prize in the category entered for the 2001, 2002 & 2003 ACROD Art Awards as well as the People’s Choice Award in 2003, and winning As We Are’s People’s Choice Award in 2002 and the Judge’s Award in 2005 & 2006.Dave’s art work has been purchased by many organisations including the Town of Vincent, Macquarie Bank, Citizens Advocacy WA and the Disability Services Commission, and is held in many private collections throughout Australia. Dave often gets approached for commissions, including being commissioned by Legal Aid WA for an art work which is proudly located in their foyer.In addition to art exhibitions, Dave has also had his paintings feature in numerous other avenues including being featured on book covers and government publications and used for the backdrop of DADAA’s Breathe dance production at PICA in 2006. In 2009, Dave’s art work was utilised by Down Syndrome WA for their Christmas and gift card packs, and his work was also exhibited at Government House, Perth for World Down Sydrome Day, for which he received an award for his significant contribution to the visual art field.

Annette Hasluck – As We Are Coordinator 

Annette commenced coordinating the annual As We Are Art Awards in August 2021.

Bringing projects to life and making it happen, is what Annette loves to do most. Starting life studying architecture and fine arts, Annette has used these creative project management skills over 30 years working on advertising, events, marketing and place activation projects, both here in Perth and in the UK.

Annette has been responsible for managing projects ranging from corporate identity programs, national advertising campaigns, trade shows throughout Europe, place activation, marketing strategy, brand name creation and event management. Annette has worked at Merlin in the UK, Insight and 303 in WA, and now has her own company Rubis.

She has bought hammock hotels and giant snow globes to Curtin University, exhibitions to London Zoo, film festivals to the B Shed in Fremantle, and has spent 20 years building STYLEAID into Perth’s premiere fashion fundraising event. In the last 5 years Annette has been the Festival Director for the PRIDE Queer Film Festival, bringing independent films from around the world to Perth, and more recently the first regional Queer Film Festivals in Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Karratha and Albany.

 

As We Are Judges 

Over the years many artists and art experts in WA have been invited to judge the As We Are awards. Some of these include ….

  • David Guhl
  • Tom Freeman
  • Jane Chambers 
  • Katherine Evans
  • Jill Ansell
  • David Giles 
  • Toogarr Morrison
  • Nalda Searles
  • Jude van de Merwe
  • Rod Garlett
  • Joanna Wakefield 
  • Fiona Gavino
  • Kate Leslie
  • Susie Waller
  • Ilsa Bennion