A major new cultural destination for Western Australia is preparing to open to the public on Sunday 1 November, with the Perth Sky Sculpture Park will welcome its first visitors to the historic Perth Observatory in the Bickley Valley.
Located just 30 mins from the CBD, the new destination brings together art, nature and the cosmos.
Sixty contemporary outdoor sculptures are being installed across a 1.2km looped bushland trail winding through the Observatory grounds, heritage architecture and astronomy domes.
Perth Sky Sculpture Park Co-founder and Head Curator, Johannes Pannekoek, a respected Australian sculptor, said the opening marked the culmination of an ambitious artist-led project.
“We set out to create a place where contemporary sculpture could exist in direct conversation with WA’s bushland, the architecture of the Observatory and the extraordinary sky above us,” said Mr Pannekoek.
“Perth Sky has been created by artists and the Perth Observatory volunteers; an independent not-for-profit cultural destination created for Western Australia.
“We wanted to build something of lasting value here in our own backyard in the Perth Hills – something that gives artists serious opportunities and gives the West Australians access to exceptional contemporary art in a setting unlike anywhere else.”
Its opening inaugural exhibition features leading sculptors from Western Australia, across Australia and internationally, including artists from Japan, China, the United States, United Kingdom, Poland and Serbia.
The opening month will also include a 20-day indoor Small Works exhibition, featuring more than 40 works and extending the sculpture experience inside the Observatory.
Perth Observatory Chair Dr Shayne Silcox said Perth Sky represented an exciting new milestone and future for the Observatory.
“The Perth Observatory has been looking up and discovering the sky for 130 years, making a significant contribution to Australian and global astronomy. Perth Sky builds on that enduring spirit of discovery, bringing a new dimension of art, science and wonder to this unique place. We are proud to offer locals and visitors a new reason to experience the Perth Hills and discover something truly different at the Observatory.”
The City of Kalamunda Council has been an important local government supporter of Perth Sky, including funding a $150,000 acquisitive awards prize pool through its Percent for Art Public Art Reserve for the inaugural Exhibition.
The three inaugural Perth Sky Acquisitive Award winners will be announced at the official artist preview on Saturday 31 October, before the Sculpture Park opens for general public visitation the following day on Sunday 1 November.
Perth Sky Sculpture Park
Open to the public:Â Sunday 1 November
Perth Observatory, Bickley Valley, Western Australia
60 outdoor sculptures | 1.2km bushland trail | 40+ indoor Small Works
Tickets Now on Sale
$15 Adults, $10 Concession and Children Under 16 Free.
Includes parking and artist drawn self-guided map. Open Thursdays through to Sundays inclusive, year-round.
Visit to purchase: perthskysculpture.com.au.
