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Coronavirus crisis: Sculpture by the Sea to close immediately due to COVID-19 pandemic

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
Homer Homer at Sculpture by the Sea.
Camera IconHomer Homer at Sculpture by the Sea. Credit: John Koh/The West Australian

Sculpture by the Sea has announced it will be closing down immediately as news spreads that community transmission of COVID-19 has begun in Perth.

The iconic WA event tonight revealed it would be cutting its exhibits three days short amid fears over the spread of coronavirus.

"Given the news that community transmission of Covid-19 has begun in Perth we have decided to close this year’s Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe," the statement said.

EY Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Thursday March 12th, 2020. Sculpture by the Sea 2020
Camera IconEY Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach Hotel on Thursday March 12th, 2020. Sculpture by the Sea 2020 Credit: John Koh.

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Admitting it would be unable to organise the de-installation and removal of the entire exhibition until Monday, Sculpture by the Sea conceded that most of the sculptures would remain at Cottesloe beach over the weekend, under their usual security measures.

“However, from this afternoon we stopped all interaction by our staff and volunteers with our visitors, and our schools program with artist-led sculpture making workshops will not operate tomorrow or Monday,” the statement said.

"We would like to thank the artists, visitors, volunteers, sponsors, donors and the Town of Cottesloe for how they enthusiastically embraced this year’s exhibition.

“Sculpture by the Sea is about the community, about sharing and being inspired by where we live and the artists in our midst.

Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach Hotel.
Camera IconSculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach Hotel. Credit: John Koh/The West Australian

“We wish you and your family and friends well at this time and look forward to seeing you next year.”

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