Cottesloe Beach has once again transformed into an open-air gallery as Sculpture by the Sea returns to Perth, drawing artists and visitors to one of Western Australia’s most recognisable stretches of coastline.
The annual exhibition opened this week and will run for 18 days, ending on 23 March. More than 70 sculptures by local, national and international artists have been installed along the coastal walk and surrounding areas, turning the beach into a temporary public art trail.
Organisers expect the event to attract more than 200,000 visitors, reflecting its popularity as one of Western Australia’s largest free public events. The exhibition has received support from the State Government for more than two decades through funding from Tourism WA and Lotterywest.
Recent figures point to the event’s economic impact as well as its cultural presence. In 2024, Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe drew more than 200,000 attendees and generated more than $4.5 million in local economic activity, including over $1.3 million in visitor spending across hospitality, accommodation and nearby businesses.
This year’s programme includes a separate indoor exhibition featuring more than 120 smaller contemporary sculptural works. The display is being held at the Sea View Golf Club and presents additional pieces from Australian and international artists.
Accessibility remains part of the event planning. An Access and Inclusion Program supported by Lotterywest will provide beach wheelchair matting and other facilities designed to make the coastal site easier to navigate for visitors with disabilities.
Two invited artists have been announced for the 2026 edition. Indian sculptor Dr Subodh Kerkar will participate as the Tourism WA Invited International Artist, while Karla Hart has been named Invited Aboriginal Artist, bringing Indigenous storytelling and perspectives into the exhibition programme.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said the exhibition continues to draw large crowds to the coast while supporting hospitality venues and local employment.
“Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe continues to create excitement for the local community, providing a boost to tourism, local jobs and hospitality businesses, with hundreds of thousands of attendees expected to visit the area,” he said.
Whitby noted the connection between the creative and tourism sectors as part of the state’s wider economic planning.
“This event demonstrates the synergy between our tourism and creative industries, two sectors the Cook Government is focused on expanding as Western Australia continues to grow its visitor economy,” he said.
He added that the natural setting of the Cottesloe coastline contributes to the appeal of the exhibition.
“Western Australia’s coastline remains one of the state’s most recognisable features, and Cottesloe provides a striking setting for the artworks on display,” Whitby said.
Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk said the exhibition offers artists a platform to present contemporary sculpture in a public space while allowing residents and visitors to experience art without entry fees.
“Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe provides artists with the chance to show their work in a distinctive environment while giving the community access to contemporary sculpture,” she said.
McGurk said events like the exhibition can encourage conversations about art and creativity among families and visitors exploring the coastal display.
The exhibition forms part of Western Australia’s year-round events calendar and is expected to return to Cottesloe Beach again next March. Organisers say the combination of public art, coastal scenery and community participation has helped the event maintain its place as a regular fixture on Perth’s cultural schedule.
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