Western Australia’s beloved Sculpture by the Sea will transform Cottesloe Beach into an open-air gallery once again this March, with the Cook Government confirming $570,000 in funding to bring the free public exhibition back to Perth’s iconic coastline.
Running from March 6th to 23rd, the 18-day exhibition will showcase more than 70 sculptures from local, national, and international artists along the golden sands and limestone cliffs of Cottesloe Beach. The funding, provided through Tourism WA and Lotterywest, continues the government’s support for an event that has been a fixture on Perth’s cultural calendar for more than 20 years.
Last year’s exhibition drew more than 235,000 visitors to Cottesloe, generating $4.5 million in local economic activity and providing a significant boost to nearby hospitality venues and businesses. The 2026 event is expected to attract similar crowds, with hundreds of thousands of people anticipated to experience the sculptures against the backdrop of sweeping ocean views.
The exhibition didn’t proceed in 2025 despite allocated state government funding, following delays in Federal funding and the organisers’ decision not to relocate to an alternative venue where Federal support had been offered.
Expanded programme for 2026
This year’s event will feature an expanded programme, including a concurrent indoor exhibition at Sea View Golf Club, showcasing 120 small contemporary sculptures by Australian and international artists.
The exhibition will also include an Access and Inclusion Program for people with disabilities, with beach wheelchair matting supported by Lotterywest to ensure the event remains accessible to all visitors.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby emphasised the exhibition’s role in bringing art and economic activity to Perth’s coastline. “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,” he said.
“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.”
