Sculpture by the Sea 2025 Exhibition Cancellation Sparks Funding Concerns in Perth

Background and Context

Initial reports suggested that local governments had offered to fund the event if it were moved from Cottesloe Beach to a different location. However, this suggestion was rejected by organisers.

Statements from Government Officials

Western Australian Premier Roger Cook stated that his government had doubled its allocated funding for the event and had met with organisers in recent years to discuss ways to make the event financially viable. Cook also suggested that organisers consider staging the event at a different location to gain more assistance from local governments.

Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti expressed disappointment that the suggestion of moving the event was rejected, stating that “significantly more grant funding” had been available from local councils outside Cottesloe.

Statements from Organisers and Community Members

Organisers of the event stated that they had not received any subsequent funding application from Creative Australia despite being aware of the funding decision since May 2023. David Handley, a key figure in the event, hopes to secure funding for the 2026 event.

The cancellation has been met with disappointment and frustration from artists, who have described it as “like cancelling Christmas”. Town of Cottesloe Mayor Lorraine Young expressed her disappointment at the cessation of federal support, stating that the town had supported the event for 20 years.

Financial Context

The event costs significant amounts to stage, with exhibiting artists collectively contributing approximately $1 million towards the costs of displaying their sculptures. However, not all artists recover any of their costs from sculpture sales or artist awards or subsidies.

Quotes and Statements

• “I do recognise that it’s an important cultural event for Western Australians … and I certainly hope there is a pathway for them to continue,” said Catherine King.

• “There’s been some accusations made by the CEO of Sculpture by the Sea that they haven’t received a funding grant,” said WA Premier Roger Cook. “My government has doubled the assistance over recent years … and we continue to work with them.”

• “It’s not a matter of quickly getting the funding because the artists do need to prepare,” said Town of Cottesloe deputy mayor Melissa Harkins.

Key Statistics

• 596 artists from 44 countries have participated in the event over its 20-year history.

• The event attracts approximately 230,000 visitors each year, with only 11-13% coming from Perth’s western suburbs.

The event, which attracts over 230,000 visitors each year, is a major free exhibition that transforms Cottesloe beach into a temporary world-class sculpture park. It has been running for 20 years and features works by artists from around the world.

Funding Issues

According to Creative Australia, Sculpture by the Sea knew about the funding decision since May 2023 but did not receive any subsequent funding application from them. The agency stated that they had provided $2 million in funding for the event, with the Western Australian government also contributing a similar amount.

Reactions and Responses

Alternative Funding Options

West Australian Premier Roger Cook suggested that alternative locations could be considered to gain additional funding from local councils. Tourism Minister Rita Saffioti also stated that significantly more grant funding was available from local councils outside Cottesloe, but the suggestion of moving the event was rejected by Sculpture by the Sea organisers.

Impact and Future Plans

The cancellation of the exhibition has been described as a “funeral” by sculptors. David Handley, Sculpture by the Sea’s CEO, hopes to secure funding for the 2026 event. The WA government’s continued investment in tourism is seen as a positive for the arts industry.

Statistics and Facts

• Over 230,000 visitors attend the exhibition each year.

• 50 per cent of the artists do not recover any of their costs from sculpture sales or artist awards or subsidies.

• “It’s a very important part of a calendar each year, we’ve embraced it as a part of Cottesloe for the past 20 years.” – Town of Cottesloe Deputy Mayor Melissa Harkins

• “We’ll continue to work with Sculpture by the Sea because it’s an event that everyone loves.” – West Australian Premier Roger Cook