About Castaways

The City’s iconic Castaways Sculpture Awards celebrates artistic innovation and environmental awareness.

Castaways is an annual outdoor sculptural exhibition showcasing artworks created from repurposed materials at the Rockingham Foreshore.

Castaways started in 2008 as a community arts project to raise awareness around the discarded items or ‘castaways’ washing up on local beaches and has continued to expand and evolve. Today, Castaways provides an important opportunity for emerging and professional Western Australian artists, schools and local businesses to be a part of a regionally-recognised arts program that continues to promote sustainable values.

Castaways Sculpture Awards consists of three exhibitions, with a prize pool of $26,000 (non-acquisitive):

• the Main Exhibition displayed at the Rockingham Foreshore.
• the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition at the Rockingham Arts Centre.
• the Schools Competition displayed in Churchill Park.

Main Exhibition 

The Main Exhibition showcases large outdoor sculptures set against the backdrop of the Rockingham Foreshore. Western Australian artists are invited to enter their sculpture for selection. Sculptures must use recycled and repurposed materials, and must include a 30% visible aluminium component to be eligible for the Major Award. 

Each year Castaways invites a Guest Artist to exhibit alongside the Main Exhibition. This aims to facilitate an exchange of knowledge between emerging exhibiting artists and senior practitioners.

Previously, Guest Artists have included world class sculptors such as Greg James, Tania Spencer, and Gordon Mitchell. 

Schools Competition 

Both primary and secondary schools are invited to design and create a sculpture from recycled or repurposed materials for public exhibition alongside emerging and professional artists.

A number of benefits have been reported by teachers, including student collaboration, belonging to a community event, and the pursuit of knowledge and new skills.

Castaways aims to introduce to young people to how values and important messages can be effectively promoted through engaging channels – important for future community leaders.

The Castaways Schools Competition is exhibited on the Rockingham Foreshore in Churchill Park, alongside the Main Exhibition.

Be Part of Castaways

Entries for Castaways are now open.

Whether you’re an artist, a school group, a volunteer or a visitor, being part of Castaways is a great way to get out and about in Rockingham and explore the wonderful world of sculpture.

Enter Castaways