There is a lack of funding for the arts in Perth. The aim of this petition is to show support for the arts in Perth and pressure the Federal Government of Arts to once again sponsor this beloved event before it is lost from WA forever.

Established in 2005, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe is the world's largest free to the public sculpture exhibition with over 70 sculptures by artists from across the world, transforming Cottesloe's spectacular Beach into a temporary sculpture park for all to enjoy in March each year.

I was heartbroken when I discovered that "Sculptures by the Sea, Cottesloe" could not occur in March 2025 due the lack of federal arts funding. Like many Western Australians, the annual sculpture event is a part of our cultural legacy and identity, bringing joy, inspiration, and unity. It gave me immense pleasure when I attended for the first time in 2019, and has been my go-to arts festival every year since, until last year when an unfortunate job obligation kept me away. Little did I know, it would be the last chance I had to experience the wonder that this event offers. 

The main source of funding the exhibition is missing is Federal government arts funding that is currently only available through Creative Australia, which declined to fund their last grant application, ranking it in the bottom 30% of applications nationally nationally. Without sustained public sector arts and tourism funding, the staging of such an exhibition becomes unviable. The absence of this festival would not only affect arts enthusiasts like me but also the numerous artists who showcased their creativity and the local economy which immensely benefitted from the tourism boost.

Australia's art and culture is vibrant and diversified, thanks to festivals like Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe. The loss of federal funding support to such events can lead to a catastrophic loss in promoting local talent and attracting international cultural tourism, impacting both our economy and cultural morale.

It is crucial for the Australian Government and Creative Australia to reintroduce funding to Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe and ensure our cultural fabric stays vibrant and dynamic. Therefore, we appeal to reimplement these strategic investments in the art landscape of Australia, keeping traditions alive and our cultural identity enriched.

Please, let's save Sculpture by the Sea, and ensure it persists as a beloved fixture of West Australian art and culture. Sign this petition and help bring back our cherished event, because art matters, culture matters. We matter.