Cottesloe Beach turns into a sea of sculptures

• Cottesloe's popular Sculpture by the Sea celebrates 10th anniversary

• More than 70 artists from across the world to exhibit works

• Audience numbers skyrocket from 25,000 to 220,000 in past decade

Perth's Cottesloe Beach has been transformed into a giant outdoor sculpture park for the 10th annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition.

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said the exhibition, which officially opens today, had become one of the most popular free community events in Western Australia.

"This is an extraordinary display of public art and artistic talent in an everyday environment," Mr Day said.

"This year will be wonderful as well with more than 70 local, national and international artists displaying their works over the 18 days of the exhibition."

Artists from 12 countries including Japan, Germany, Portugal and Argentina will join a contingent of Australian sculptors.  Among the 28 local WA artists is Geoffrey Drake-Brockman, renowned for his 10m-high yellow geometric artwork 'Totem' at Perth Arena.

Japanese artist Keizo Ushio and WA's own Ron Gomboc, who have exhibited at all 10 events, will be inducted into the Cottesloe Decade Club.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said the popularity of the event continued to grow with an estimated 220,000 people attending in 2013.

"Since its inception in 2005, Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, has become one of the most eagerly anticipated features of WA's diverse events calendar," Mrs Harvey said.

"We celebrate this 10-year milestone and congratulate the organisers on the incredible success of the event."

          Fact File

• Sculpture by the Sea is sponsored by the State Government, through Tourism WA

• In the past decade, 531 artworks from 316 artists have featured in the exhibition

• Event will run from March 7 to 24

• More information at http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/Home.aspx

Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 6552 6200

Tourism Minister's office - 6552 5900