- Internationally renowned Portuguese street artist Artur Bordalo tours Swan Valley ahead of sculpture trail installation
- $2.2 million Swan Valley Sculpture Trail is a key election commitment supporting tourism, culture, and local communities
Delivered by the Cook Government as part of priority to diversify the economy by making it creative and vibrant
Perth has welcomed internationally acclaimed Portuguese artist Artur Bordalo this week, as planning progresses on the Swan Valley Sculpture Trail.
Globally renowned for his large-scale wildlife sculptures created from reclaimed materials, Bordalo is visiting the Swan Valley to assess potential sites for the trail and meet with the Tourism Minister, local MPs, and Traditional Owners.
An election commitment made by the Cook Government, the Swan Valley Sculpture Trail will feature a series of landmark outdoor artworks celebrating the area's natural environment, culture, and character.
Bordalo is exploring a range of locations across the Valley to shape the creative direction of the trail, focusing on the stories of Country and Western Australia's unique wildlife, while creating a new drawcard tourism experience that supports local businesses and jobs.
The $2.2 million sculpture trail is part of the Swan Valley and Perth Hills Tourism Package election commitment that aims to grow the State's tourism sector's offerings and diversifying the economy by making it creative and vibrant. The trail is being delivered in partnership with Western Australian arts organisation, FORM Building a State of Creativity.
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Swan Valley Sculpture Trail is a key election commitment and demonstrates the Cook Government's dedication to delivering world-class tourism and cultural experiences that diversify our local economy and create vibrant communities providing a boost to local businesses and local jobs.
"Artur Bordalo's work will celebrate Perth's unique landscapes and wildlife, highlight the cultural stories of Country, and provide a vibrant new attraction that draws visitors from across Australia and beyond.
"Supporting cultural tourism is about more than art - it's about creating opportunities for businesses, engaging local communities, and showcasing the best of Western Australia to the world.
"It's fantastic to have Bordalo here early in the process, walking on Country and engaging with local communities. His visit will help shape the creative vision over the coming months, ensuring the artworks reflect the character of the Swan Valley."
As stated by Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:
"Artworks created by Artur Bordalo are spread across the globe, so having such an internationally acclaimed artist bring his work to Perth and its Swan Valley wine region is a real accomplishment.
"Public art is one of the most powerful ways to share creative expression and create a sense of place.
"The Swan Valley Sculpture Trail will attract international audiences to not only visit the trail but also experience the local food and wine hospitality right on our city's doorstep.
"Much of Bordalo's sculptures are created from discarded objects that would otherwise be disregarded or thrown out, so it is very exciting to have him touring the area to gather insight for his next creations that will put an international spotlight on the Swan Valley and Perth."
As stated by West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti:
"The Swan Valley Sculpture Trail will further cement the region's reputation as one of Western Australia's go-to tourist destinations.
"This investment will bring more visitors to the Swan Valley supporting our small businesses, tourism operators, hospitality venues, and local artists.
"I look forward to seeing the trail take shape which will deliver long-term cultural and economic benefits for the community."
As stated by Swan Hills MLA Michelle Maynard:
"The Swan Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of our State, and this sculpture trail is about sharing that beauty with more visitors from across Western Australia and beyond.
"This investment creates another reason for people to explore the Valley, supporting our local artists, family-run businesses, cafs, wineries, and tourism operators along the way.
"Tourism plays a vital role in our local economy. When more people visit, local jobs are supported and our whole community benefits.
"I'm proud to back a project that celebrates our creative spirit while showcasing the unique landscapes and experiences that make Swan Hills so special."
As stated by Midland MLA Steve Catania:
"It's fantastic to see the State Government investing in a project that will bring more visitors through the Midland electorate.
"From Caversham and West Swan through to Guildford and Woodbridge, a sculpture trail of this scale will naturally draw tourists into our local cafs, wineries, small businesses, and heritage areas.
"I'm grateful for this commitment and for the opportunity it creates to showcase the unique character of our community. With thoughtful planning and local input, this project will no doubt deliver real cultural and economic benefits for residents and businesses alike."
