The sun-drenched shores of Cottesloe Beach feels a little emptier this year. The 21st annual Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe – Perth’s beloved outdoor art exhibition, was slated to open this month. But has been postponed to March 2026 due to funding challenges.
While the absence of the event has left artists, locals, and visitors disappointed, there’s a silver lining!
Bipartisan federal support has secured its future, ensuring the exhibition’s return with renewed vigour.
The postponement stems from a funding shortfall that forced the not-for-profit organisation to cancel this year’s event.
In early December, Sculpture by the Sea announced it could not proceed without federal arts funding. A decision that sparked an outpouring of frustration from the Perth community. Responding to this groundswell of support, both sides of the Federal Parliament rallied behind the exhibition, pledging $750,000 annually through Austrade for the 2026 and 2027 exhibitions.
David Handley, Founding CEO and Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea, expressed gratitude for the bipartisan backing.
“It is great to see bi-partisan support for Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe. Without this level of Federal government support, it is simply impossible to stage such a large free-to-the-public event,” Handley said.
He apologized for the cancellation, adding, “We are very sorry that we are unable to present the exhibition this March. We would like to thank the many people from across Perth for letting the politicians and media know just how upset they were.”
The Austrade funding brings significant relief to Australian artists, who will now receive a minimum of $4,500 to offset the substantial costs. Averaging $15,000 per artist for creating and transporting their sculptures.
For sculptor Olga Cironis, who exhibited in 2024, the news is bittersweet.
“This is the month that Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2025 would have opened, and I can’t help but reflect on how wonderful this time of year in Cottesloe usually is.
“Sculptors from WA and overseas could have been exhibiting their works for people to enjoy and experience. I am very happy the 2026 exhibition will be going ahead and hopefully government funding will be secured for many years to come,” she said.
Preparations for 2026 are already underway. Artist submissions will open in June, with selections finalized by late August. Sculptures will then be crafted and shipped from around the globe to transform Cottesloe’s sands and parks into an open-air gallery.
The exhibition’s financial backbone also relies on renewed support from the Western Australian government. Which organisers are working to secure alongside the Austrade grant.
For Cottesloe’s local businesses, the absence of the exhibition this March stings.
The event typically draws over 230,000 visitors, boosting the local economy as they flock to cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Ol’ Buoy Cafe, a Cottesloe staple, lamented the loss. “We are very disappointed that Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe is not taking place this year,” a spokesperson said.
“The exhibition is wonderful for the social fabric of the area, and local businesses like ours really benefit from the increased visitor numbers. Like everyone, we are very pleased to hear it will return in 2026, when we can all look forward to an exciting and very busy March.”
The lean period between December and March is a challenging time for Sculpture by the Sea, which generates little income during these months. The organisation has weathered this stretch in 2024-25 thanks to the generosity of regular donors.
To keep the spirit alive, Sculpture by the Sea will share a daily photograph from its 20-year history on Facebook and Instagram throughout the period. Which is when this year’s exhibition would have run.
As Cottesloe Beach misses its annual artistic transformation this March, the community’s anticipation builds. With federal and local support aligning, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe promises a triumphant return in 2026. Reaffirming its place as a cultural cornerstone of Western Australia.
