Esperance Sculpture Trail set to follow in giant's footsteps

• Cook Government through Lotterywest provides $6 million grant to leading independent arts and cultural organisation
• Esperance Sculpture Trail to showcase stunning scenery and storytelling through local perspectives
• Community benefits to build on the success of the Giants of Mandurah
• Cook Government diversifying the economy by fostering a vibrant and creative community

Esperance is set to be home to a unique and captivating sculpture trail that showcases the region's land, sea and Aboriginal heritage, and follows in the footsteps of the hugely successful Mandurah Giants.

The State Government, through Lotterywest, has provided a grant of $6 million, which has been provided to leading independent, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation FORM Building a State of Creativity, to deliver the Esperance Sculpture Trail by early 2027.

FORM brought the hugely successful Giants of Mandurah to life in 2022, with the gigantic wooden creations designed and built by world-renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo still on show today.

In the first year alone, the Giants of Mandurah generated $64 million in visitor spend and 86,000 visitors from outside the Peel region booked nearly 250,000 nights of accommodation locally.

Following consultation with Traditional Owners and local community groups, the Esperance Sculpture Trail will forge its own path by blending natural beauty, heritage, and creativity into a lasting legacy for locals and visitors.

Each artwork will be site specific, capturing the spirit of the Kepa Kurl Wudjari people along with reflecting the Esperance area's unique landscapes.

Stretching from the historic town to the dramatic coastline of the Esperance area, the sculpture trail will attract local, national and international audiences, which will deliver benefits to the region's hospitality and tourism sector.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"My government is diversifying the WA economy so that it remains the strongest in the nation - and that's why we're committed to fostering vibrant and creative communities.

"Esperance boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, which will be showcased for local, national and international tourists to enjoy through the Sculpture Trail.

"My government is proud to support this unique public art initiative through Lotterywest, which will encourage year-round visitation and exploration of the Goldfields-Esperance region."

Comments attributed to Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:

"This project was developed through one of Western Australia's most extensive community engagement programs - including more than 500 in-person engagements.

"It celebrates Esperance's diverse identity and ensures that those who live here continue to lead how their stories are shared."

Comments attributed to Creative Industries Minister Simone McGurk:

"We have seen how successful the Giants of Mandurah has been for attracting people to the Peel region, and the Esperance Sculpture Trail will be no exception.

"Each artwork will showcase the region's natural beauty, heritage, and local storytelling for all to enjoy."

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:

"The Esperance Sculpture Trail will attract local, national and international audiences, which will deliver benefits to the region's hospitality and tourism sector.

"A unique trail like this forms part of our economic diversification strategy, attracting tourists to the region and providing a boost to local businesses and jobs - so we encourage visitors to experience the fantastic Goldfields-Esperance region and all that it offers."