Cockburn investigates Sculpture by the Sea bid

COCKBURN deputy mayor Lee-Anne Smith has asked the City to investigate the feasibility of bringing Sculpture by the Sea to Coogee Beach.

Sculpture by the Sea made headlines recently when organisers admitted the popular artistic event’s future was uncertain due to a six-figure shortfall in corporate funding.

“This has been largely due to the cyclical nature of sponsorships where a number of key sponsors did not renew their support in the last two years, and we did not secure sufficient new sponsors to replace their support,” an event spokesperson said.

Cr Smith has asked City directors for a report as to whether it was feasible for Cockburn to bring the exhibition to Coogee Beach as part of the Coogee Live event.

She said she was disappointed when she heard about Sculpture by the Sea’s predicament but that she was “instantly excited at the thought of Cottesloe’s loss becoming Cockburn’s gain”.

She added the event brought 250,000 people to Cottesloe Beach each year, which would be a welcome boost to Cockburn visitor numbers and local businesses.

“Cockburn is currently not an iconic tourist destination, however this may assist,” she said.

“The timing aligns with our Coogee Live Festival which is still in its infancy and could do with a boost.

“The Coogee Live Festival currently attracts sponsorship from Lotterywest and Healthway and ideally, I’d love to see this sponsorship increased to attract the exhibition at no additional cost to the City.

“A report would provide costs, benefits and the feasibility of such a move.”