General News
22 June, 2025
Wama Foundation’s next chapter
WITH the long-anticipated opening of the Wama Foundation just weeks away, The Stawell Times-News sat down with CEO Pippa Mott this week to learn more about the unique project and the woman in the top seat.
Pippa stepped into the role nine months ago and has been driven by passion and purpose from day one.
“I was really captivated by the idea of a dedicated centre for environmental art – one that existed in connection with a National Park of great cultural and ecological significance,” she said.
“As a Curator, I’ve been working at the intersection of art and science for over a decade. I’ve presented exhibitions relating to neuroscience, pseudoscience, evolutionary biology, dementia, climate change and environmental collapse. But I’ve also worked on projects that revel in the sheer beauty or power of nature – like Jónsi’s Hrafntinna, and the Trehus project at the Oslo Architecture Triennale. I’m excited about all the possibilities that abound within the genre of environmental art and cannot wait to build WAMA’s program,” said Pippa.
She also praised the team working alongside her to turn the WAMA vision into reality.
“Across horticulture, project management, education, marketing, and exhibitions, our team’s mixed experience is a source of great resilience and resourcefulness. We’re learning from each other constantly, and I feel lucky to be surrounded by such brilliant and collaborative people.”
For Pippa, one of the most meaningful aspects of the site has been learning about the Endemic Botanic Garden.
“Although I come from a long line of horticulturists and botanists, I can’t claim deep expertise myself, but I’ve loved learning about our Endemic Botanic Garden. Neil Marriott, Wendy Marriott and Jill Burness have been incredibly generous with their encyclopaedic knowledge, and they’ve opened my eyes to the beauty and ecological significance of this living collection. After the recent fires, its role in conservation and education feels even more vital.”
As the foundation prepares to officially open its doors, we asked Pippa how she was feeling about the milestone.
“I’m so excited about our ‘Weekend at WAMA’ from 5–7 July not just because we’re opening a new cultural space, but because it marks the culmination of over 14 years of incredible work by our board, volunteers, and community of artists, botanists, and educators. There’s definitely a mix of excitement and nerves, but mostly it’s a deep sense of pride and gratitude. This moment belongs to everyone who’s helped bring WAMA to life.”
The opening weekend in July will unveil the National Centre for Environmental Art, the Gariwerd/Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden, and that’s just the beginning.
“We open in July with the National Centre for Environmental Art, the Gariwerd/Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden, and our café, shop and education space. In the years ahead, WAMA will continue to grow, with expansive landscaping, a boardwalk, sculpture trail and a nature play space for children.
“While national interest will be key to our long-term future, I hope that from the outset, it’s a place our local community feels proud to call their own,” said Pippa.
Wama’s opening weekend will be held from 12-6pm on Saturday July 5th , and 10am-5pm Sunday and Monday the 6 th and 7 th of July at the Wama Foundation, on the Ararat-Halls Gap Road between Pomonal and Halls Gap.
Read More: Stawell