Albany 2026: Sculpture at Binalup transforms Middleton Beach into an outdoor coastal artwork gallery

Middleton Beach is set to come alive with creativity this week as Sculpture at Binalup transforms the coastline into a huge outdoor gallery.

The highly anticipated exhibition opens on Friday and will run until April 19, inviting visitors to explore a collection of 16 contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of King George Sound as part of the city’s bicentenary program.

Sculptures at Binalup celebrates modern artistic practice while drawing on the rich cultural and environmental significance of Binalup - Middleton Beach.

Many of the artworks shown reflect Albany’s 2026 themes of truth-telling, connection to country and respect for thousands of years of cultural care for the land.

The exhibition offers locals and visitors a chance to experience art in a unique coastal setting, where culture, history and creativity come together.

Sculpture at Binalup artistic director Mae Elliott said many of the artworks invited community participation and engagement.

“There will be a variety of artworks on show with several installations that have invited community participation, so there will be opportunities for visitors to the exhibition to engage and add their own personal touch and contribution to some of our artworks,” she said.

Elliott said one of the highlights of the exhibition was a collaboration artwork between herself, Menang-Gnudju elder Carol Pettersen and high school students.

“There’s also a large installation that honours Menang culture and custodianship which has been developed between myself and Aunty Carol Pettersen, and has been created through the participation of students in some of our local high schools,” she said.

“We will continue to invite members of the public to add their object to an installation that represents Menang timeline.

“It’s a really beautiful opportunity for the people of Kinjarling Albany to leave a bit of a lasting legacy for Albany 2026 and connect with culture through art making.”

Artworks at the event range in different sizes, shapes and forms and Elliott said some impressive artworks would be on show.

“We will have some large artworks that need to be installed with higher operations,” she said.

“There’s some pretty wonderful and striking works going in there and some of our artworks will be for sale.

“This installation is going to be permanently installed at the Albany Historic Society gardens beyond our temporary exhibition so that’s really exciting.”

As part of the opening weekend, Saturday’s program features artists including Jennifer Cochrane, Holly Pepper, Sandy McKendrick, Duncan Moon, Kerrie Argent, Lynley Campbell, Fiona Gavino, Elliott and James McLean, followed by a Sunday talk from Lucas Copper Designs.

There will also be hands-on workshops, including a basket weaving show, and participatory experiences and Campell will run a community wish-making activity across all three days.

Albany 2026 coordinator Adam Gregory said the exhibition connected art, place and community.

“Sculpture at Binalup brings contemporary art into direct conversation with the landscape, inviting people to experience both in a new way,” he said.

“The opening weekend offers a chance to hear directly from the artists, giving deeper insight into the thinking and creativity behind each piece.”

Volunteers are still needed for the exhibition and more details can be found on the Sculpture of Binalup website.