Sculpture by the Sea Triumphantly Returns With Plenty of Colour and a Toaster Full of Dolphins

Curving like a theatre dress circle by the Indian Ocean, Cottesloe has always been a natural amphitheatre. That beach bend has formed the mainstage of Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe’s exhibition since 2005.

After celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024, the exhibition failed to go ahead in 2025 because of a lack of funding. Today, thanks to a new $1.5 million commitment from the federal government, the exhibition is back.

“It’s great to be back in Perth at Cottesloe Beach for the 21st Sculpture by the Sea,” said founder David Handley in a statement. “We have been welcomed with extra wide smiles as we set up the sculptures this week with people letting us know how happy they are the exhibition has returned. Thank you to Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Cook for making the exhibition possible for artists from around the world to join local artists in staging one of the largest free cultural events for the people of Perth and its visitors.”

This year, 70 sculptures will be on display. The artists behind these pieces hail from eight countries, including India, which has five artists participating as part of a special country showcase this year.

Fremantle-based sculptor Stephen Tepper has been awarded a $10,000 prize for his piece, Suddenly Everything’s Changed, a string of segmented, hollow blue spheres that stretches almost like a chain towards the ocean. The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the end of the exhibition.

This year, the exhibition is more accessible than ever thanks to wheelchair-friendly beach matting, which will be in place from March 11 to 19.

Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe runs from March 6 to 23. Wheelchair-accessible matting will be in place from March 11 to 19.

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