Perth's popular beachside exhibition Sculpture by the Sea has returned to Cottesloe Beach after being cancelled in 2025 due to a funding cut by federal arts agency Creative Australia. The event, now in its 21st year, was revived thanks to a $750,000 grant from Austrade and additional support from the state government, securing its run for 2026 and 2027.
The 2026 exhibition features 70 artworks from Australian and international artists, including 11 from Japan and five from India. Sculpture by the Sea founder and artistic director David Handley said the event has attracted over 3.7 million visitors since its inception. He credited the Perth public for voicing their support after the cancellation, which helped galvanize political and corporate backing.
This year's exhibition includes 15 artists who have never exhibited with the event before. Handley noted that each year the artists transform the beach in a unique way, and the event has become part of modern Australian culture, reflecting the nation's love for the coast.
Among the featured artists is Dr Subodh Kerkar from India, who first applied to participate 21 years ago. This year, he is the Invited International Artist, presenting a performance installation titled Oceans and Civilisations. Noongar woman Karla Hart was selected as the Invited Aboriginal Artist, leading a performance artwork with a Noongar women's dance group.
Architect Erica Zaino created the sculpture ART or Artificial Real Time, which includes an augmented reality feature. Visitors can scan a QR code on the beach to replicate the artwork anywhere in the world. Zaino said she wanted to raise questions about the use of artificial intelligence in art and creativity for future generations.
