- Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe to receivesupport from Cook Government for its 2026 exhibition
- Art exhibition expected to attract over 200,000 attendees to Cottesloe Beach
- Annual 18-day outdoor exhibition is one of WA's largest free public events
- Event forms part of the Government's economic diversification strategy by boosting tourism and generating local jobs
WA's iconic Sculpture by the Sea exhibitionwill again be supported by the Cook Government in 2026, bringing art back to the shores of Cottesloe Beach.
Supported by the WA Government for over 20 years, this popular art exhibition has secured $570,000 of funding through Tourism WA and Lotterywest.
The 18-day annual outdoor sculpture exhibition will run this year from 6-23 March, featuring over 70 sculptures from local, national, and international artists.
As one of WA's largest free public events, the exhibition 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 235,000 attendees, generating $4.5 million in local economic activity.
The Cook Government had awarded funding for the 2025 event, but the Cottesloe exhibition did not proceed due to a delay in Federal funding and the organisers' decision not to host the event at a different location where Federal funding had been offered.
The 2026 event will include a separate public indoor exhibition of 120 small contemporary sculptural works by Australian and international artists, held concurrently at the Sea View Golf Club.
The event will also feature an Access and Inclusion Program for people with disabilities, including beach wheelchair matting supported by Lotterywest.
The exhibition is set to return to Cottesloe again in March 2027, highlighting its importance as a staple on WA's events calendar.
Events like this demonstrate this Government's commitment to economic diversification, helping to build a year-round events calendar that attracts out-of-state visitors and grows the State's visitor economy to boost local business and jobs. Find out more at sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe .
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Cottesloe Beach will come alive with incredible and creative art in 2026, as part of the Cook Government's proud support of this free iconic event.
"The art exhibition creates excitement for the local community, providing a significant boost to tourism, local jobs, and local hospitality businesses, while also delivering valuable dollars through our State's economic diversification strategy.
"WA's coastline is one of our greatest treasures, and Cottesloe is the perfect stage for this event, with premium hospitality just steps away and sweeping ocean views that elevate the experience."
