Perth Sky has hosted an Artist Inspiration Tour alongside it’s Vision launch this November, welcoming 120 artists and supporters to explore it’s Perth Observatory site.
The Tour coincided with the official reveal of a $150,000 acquisitive prize pool that will anchor the inaugural Perth Sky Sculpture Park Exhibition.
The prize pool — funded by the City of Kalamunda through its Percent-for-art Public Art Reserve — will support the acquisition of artworks for permanent public display across the City, helping to build a significant collection of contemporary sculpture for generations to enjoy.
RECONISING ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
City of Kalamunda Mayor, Margaret Thomas, said supporting the project reflects the City’s commitment to cultural enrichment and public art: “The City of Kalamunda is incredibly proud to support this initiative — including a $150,000 commitment to establish the Perth Sky Acquisitive Awards. These awards will recognise artistic excellence, with award-winning sculptures being placed in the public realm across the City for generations to enjoy.”
The Artist Inspiration Tour invited local and visiting artists to explore the project site, walk the native bushland trail, and experience the Observatory’s striking architectural forms firsthand. Participants were guided through the landscape where sculpture, suspended works and ephemeral installations may be placed.
CURATORIAL VISION
Chair and Head Curator, Johannes Pannekoek, said the curatorial vision encourages bold, innovative and beautifully resolved work: “Artists may submit new works inspired by this place, or propose previously exhibited pieces that could find a powerful dialogue with this environment. A curatorial panel will select works across scale and form — from standalone and suspended sculptures to ephemeral installations, and projections onto the Observatory’s domes and walls.”
The inaugural Exhibition will open in Spring 2026 during the Noongar season of Kambarang, establishing Perth Sky at the Perth Observatory as a new cultural destination connecting contemporary art with nature, science and community.
SUBMISSIONS
Expressions of Interest will open in February 2026 to artists from across Western Australia, Australia and the world, with the Perth Sky team seeking submissions that champion experimentation and artistic courage.
Stay updated via Facebook and Instagram: @perthskysculpture
Perth Sky Sculpture Park operates under the auspices of the Perth Observatory Volunteers Group and is supported by the City of Kalamunda.
Image below: Artists and friends explore the future site of Perth Sky Sculpture Park at the Perth Observatory.
