- Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe begins in Perth today
- Art exhibition expected to attract more than 200,000 attendees to Cottesloe Beach
- Annual 18-day outdoor exhibition is one of WA's largest free public events
- Event contributes to the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy by boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and local jobs
The iconic Sculpture by the Sea exhibitionhas once again brought art to the shores of Cottesloe Beach, with the outdoor exhibition now open for the next 18 days.
Running until 23 March, the event features more than 70 sculptures from local, national and international artists, and is one of Western Australia's largest free public events.
Supported by the State Government for more than 20 years, the popular art exhibition has secured funding from Tourism WA and Lotterywest and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of attendees to the area, shining a spotlight on the iconic Cottesloe Beach.
In 2024, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe drew more than 200,000 attendees, injecting more than $1.3 million in visitor spend into the Western Australian economy and generating more than $4.5 million in local economic activity - highlighting the significant economic boost events like this deliver.
The 2026 event will include a separate public indoor exhibition of over 120 small contemporary sculptural works by Australian and international artists, held at the Sea View Golf Club.
Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe will also feature an Access and Inclusion Program, supported by Lotterywest, which includes beach wheelchair matting for people with disabilities, ensuring more Western Australians can enjoy the exhibition.
Dr Subodh Kerkar has been announced as the Tourism WA Invited International Artist for 2026, alongside Karla Hart as Invited Aboriginal Artist, reinforcing the exhibition's strong international profile and its celebration of Aboriginal culture and storytelling.
Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe is set to return to Cottesloe again next March, highlighting its importance as a staple on WA's always on, year-round events calendar, which supports the State's growing tourism industry, driving economic diversification and boosting local businesses and local jobs.
Find out more at sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe
Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe continues to create excitement for the local community, providing a significant boost to tourism, local jobs and local hospitality businesses, with hundreds of thousands of attendees expected to visit the area.
"This event demonstrates the synergy between our tourism and creative industries - two sectors the Cook Government is focused on boosting to further diversify the State's economy, helping make Western Australia a great place to live, work and visit.
"Western Australia's pristine coastline is one of our State's greatest assets, and Cottesloe is the perfect stage for this event, with premium hospitality just steps away and sweeping ocean views that elevate the experience.
"I'm delighted to welcome this iconic showcase of local and international art and culture back to the shores of Cottesloe once again."
