As a socially engaged artist exploring themes of death and memorialisation, my work spans performance, sculpture, video, and installation to examine the realities of grief, the inevitability of death, and the acceptance of mortality. Drawing from personal experience and artistic practice, I investigate how death shapes individuals and those left behind.

Working in the public realm, I am committed to empowering communities by sharing practical knowledge and fostering collective generosity. With over 20 years of experience in research, exhibitions, and residencies, both nationally and internationally, my practice continues to evolve, engaging audiences across the globe.

As an independent death worker and end-of-life consultant collaborating closely with death doulas, I champion ethical, personalised, and environmentally conscious deathcare through The Departure. My approach blends creativity with compassion.

I’m also available for speaking engagements and presentations, particularly in libraries and regional communities. Whether you’re hosting a death literacy workshop, an end-of-life planning session, or a candid conversation about death & dying, let’s collaborate. Reach out to explore how we can bring thoughtful, practical, and creative discussions about death to your space.

Hayley has hosted DEAD AIR a weekly, live radio show on 94.9MAINfm since Nov 2021 and is Vice-President of the committee; co-hosted Death Cafés 2013-23; a committee member of the Natural Death Advocacy Network; a member of the Australian Home Funeral Alliance; was previously on the Castlemaine Cemetery Trust 2018-22; and is a supporter of the Melbourne Queer as Death Collective.

Image: Cathy Ronalds — Image credit: Cathy Ronalds

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All work by Hayley West is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Please contact all other credited photographers directly to discuss their individual licenses.