Organisers of Perth's Sculpture by the Sea event announced on Tuesday a shortfall in federal funding would stop the event from going ahead next March, after arts agency Creative Australia declined to back it. On Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $1.5 million package to revive the event.
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00:00Hoping to save the day, Anthony Albanese pledged financial support for the iconic sculpture
00:07by the sea event as he touched down in Perth.
00:09It's magnificent, it's free, it uses the wonderful landscape which is there, it's a great spot
00:17there at Cottesloe and I think it's unfortunate if it doesn't go ahead next year.
00:23The 2025 exhibition was cancelled after it failed to receive funding through Creative
00:28Australia, leaving local sculptors bitterly disappointed.
00:31It's really devastating because my whole practice in the last 10 years has been built on sculpture
00:36by the sea.
00:37I'm shocked how art is so sidelined.
00:41Mr Albanese says the art event is deserving of funding.
00:45Part of the rationale for the government funding is that it brings tourists here to Perth and
00:50to WA, not just from other parts of Australia, but it is a global event that has global
01:01recognition as well.
01:03His pledge matches a commitment made by the Coalition earlier this week.
01:06Does Mr Albanese sweep in today to pretend that he's the great saviour of this event?
01:12Well guess what Mr Albanese, too little, too late, don't treat Western Australians like
01:17mugs.
01:18The organisers hope it means bipartisan support going forward.
01:22I think both parties listen to the people of WA.
01:25They may have different motivations, they may have exactly the same motivations.
01:30All I know is this is a good result for the people of WA and the sculptors of WA and what
01:35people want will be back in 2026.
01:37The future secured for a popular event.