Sculpture by the sea

Perth’s Sculpture by the Sea has been held at Cottesloe Beach since 2005.

But despite 14 years of successful displays, it is struggling to attract the funds needed to keep the event free to the public.

Founding director David Handley said the event had gone backwards in fundraising this year.

 In Awe by Rebecca Rose (NZ)

Sculpture by the Sea has previously struggled with funding, with Hancock Prospecting making a six-figure event-saving sponsorship in 2014.

Andrew Forrest and major partner Alcoa have injected funds over a number of years to keep the event running. 

Final Approach by Geoff Overheu (WA)

It is now calling on visitors to ‘Buy A Mile’ with a $1 donation to assist artists with freight costs.

This year, the event exhibits more than 70 sculptures from artists representing 18 countries, including Tourism Western Australia Invited International Artist, Zhan Wang from China.

While some private donors had responded to calls for an increase in funds to cover artist costs, Mr Handley said more was needed.

As its principal partner, Rio Tinto this year issued its $50,000 major artist award to NSW artist Harrie Fasher for her abstract steel work, Transition.

For 2018, Alcoa has supported artist Jon Denaro and architect Luke Davey with material subsidies for their work Obscure View, and Stuart Green for his work (b)RAIN.

Lotterywest also committed support to the event, with $77,000 to be distributed across three years, as of 2018. The funds will facilitate an access and inclusion program for seniors and people with disabilities.

You can view the Sculptures by the Sea gallery here: 

https://www.businessnews.com.au/Photo-Gallery#sculpture-by-the-sea-2018