Western Australia Minister for Tourism Elizabeth Constable

Biggest ever Sculpture by the Sea transforms Cottesloe into an outdoor gallery

Victor P Taffa

The biggest ever Sculpture by the Sea event, opening today, will transform Cottesloe into an outdoor art gallery featuring 64 exhibits.

Western Australia Minister for Tourism Liz Constable said since its launch six years ago, Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe had grown to become one of the State’s biggest cultural events.

“The State Government has a strong commitment to events in Western Australia and Sculpture by the Sea has proven to be extremely popular bringing about 140,000 people to Cottesloe Beach last year.” Dr. Constable said.

“It is important we attract and establish a diverse mix of sport and cultural events for the State.”

“This is the second year we have supported Sculpture by the Sea through Eventscorp’s Arts and Cultural Events Scheme which has helped to give the event a significant boost.”

Eventscorp’s funding has extended the length of the exhibition from 13 to 20 days, increased the number of sculptures on display from 54 in 2007 to 64 this year and boosted the interstate and international promotion of the event.

The Minister said Sculpture by the Sea was a terrific example of why arts and cultural events were important for WA.

“Sculpture by the Sea provides visitors with another extraordinary experience and helps encourage tourism.” Dr. Constable said.

“These events enhance the vibrancy of our city and help enrich Perth’s thriving arts and cultural scene as well as providing an opportunity to promote the beautiful beaches we have in WA, in particular Perth’s famous Cottesloe Beach.”

Dr Constable said she was delighted to hear the Alcoa School Education program would continue this year, giving 1,300 school students the opportunity to interact with sculptors and produce their own work to take home.

Next year, the Arts and Cultural Events Scheme would be boosted to $2.25 Million more than three years, increasing the funding pool for arts and cultural events to $750,000 per year.