- Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe returns for its 20th year from today
- Free annual event expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees
- $240,000 Lotterywest grant presented to assist the event's Community Access and Inclusion Program
- Exhibition is one of WA's largest free public events and supported by the Cook Government
The highly popular Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe has returned to the shores of Cottesloe Beach today for its 20th anniversary exhibition.
Running until Monday, 18 March 2024, the free annual event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees to Perth's iconic Cottesloe Beach, supporting local businesses, and adding vibrancy to the cultural scene in Western Australia.
As part of the official launch of the event today, event organisers were presented with a $240,000 Lotterywest grant from the State Government, to assist with their Community Access and Inclusion Program.
The Community Access and Inclusion Program will include a range of initiatives for people with disability and those with limited mobility. Daily tactile tours, Auslan interpreting, beach matting, and manual wheelchair loans will enable access to sculptures exhibited on the beach, making this year's event more accessible than ever.
The 2024 event will also feature a public indoor exhibition showcasing small artworks by Sculpture by the Sea exhibiting artists.
This year's exhibition features work by 71 artists from 14 countries, including Tourism Western Australia's annual Invited International Artist - which this year is celebrated UK sculptor Sean Henry with his iconic sculpture 'Seated Man'.
As part of the new Aboriginal Artistic Program, acclaimed WA Nyoongar artist Sharyn Egan is returning to Sculpture by the Sea for the sixth time with a major piece of public participatory art titled 'Balga Boola - Bigsmob Balga', which will be featured in two sunset Aboriginal dance performances.
The Aboriginal Artistic Program aims to bring the oldest living culture on earth together with the spectacular landscapes of one of WA's most popular beaches, offering a rich and unique cultural experience.
The majority of sculpture works on display will be available for purchase - which will support the exhibiting artists and help fund future exhibitions.
Find out more at sculpturebythesea.com/cottesloe.
As stated by Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Events like Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe are fantastic for our community, drawing local and out-of-state visitors, and providing a great day or evening out in Perth.
"It is wonderful to be celebrating a major milestone this year, as the 2024 exhibition marks 20 years since it first graced the shores of Cottesloe Beach, and 20 years of proud support from the WA Government.
"I encourage all out-of-state visitors and Western Australians from across the State to make their way to Cottesloe Beach over the next 18 days to enjoy the unique artwork on display in this iconic coastal setting."
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"Sculpture by the Sea is one of Western Australia's most loved public events, shining a light on our incredible and internationally-renowned Cottesloe Beach, while providing locals and visitors the opportunity to view artworks from all around the globe.
"Importantly, the majority of sculpture works on display will be available for people to buy, so this event is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some spectacular artwork, while also supporting our wonderful artists by purchasing some of their work."
