Celebrating innovation, sustainability and artistic expression, Castaways 2026 invited artists of all experience levels, from emerging creatives to established practitioners, to reimagine recycled and repurposed materials as sculptural works with meaning and impact.
Mayor Lorna Buchan said Castaways is one of the City of Rockingham’s most distinctive cultural events.
“Castaways continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, drawn to its mix of creative art and the clever use of repurposed materials, with artists turning discarded items, things that have been literally cast away, into often surprising and thought-provoking works.”
Castaways will unfold across three connected exhibitions. The Main Exhibition will line the Rockingham Foreshore, while the Schools Exhibition brings youthful creativity to nearby Churchill Park. A short walk away, the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition at Rockingham Arts Centre will offer a more intimate viewing experience.
In 2026, 23 artworks have been selected as finalists for the Main Exhibition, including two artists chosen for the annual Curator’s Mentor Program. The Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition will feature 24 finalists, while 10 local Rockingham schools will showcase their work in the Schools Exhibition.
Finalists were selected by an independent panel comprising artists Angela McHarrie and Arif Satar, Castaways Curator Lyn Di Ciero, and representatives from the City of Rockingham. According to Di Ciero, the selection process is both rigorous and rewarding.
“A lot of research and dialogue goes into understanding each submission,” she says. “We engage closely with artists to fully appreciate their intent. It’s never an easy task for the panel, but being selected for Castaways can be a pivotal moment in an artist’s career, particularly for those just starting out.”
This year’s artworks demonstrate remarkable ingenuity, with artists repurposing a diverse array of materials including compressed textiles, television antennas, recycled mufflers, pool testing discs and salvaged swimming goggles, bringing new life to discarded objects.
The exhibition runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, with artists competing for a total prize pool of $27,250. Award winners will be announced at the official opening and Awards Ceremony on Saturday 24 October.
The City of Rockingham extends its thanks to Fremantle Ports for its continued support as a valued sponsor of the event.
2026 Finalists
Sean Adamas, Richard Aitken, Alan Brinck and Loren Brinck, Sheryl Chant, Joy Francis, Claire Garcia-Webb, Francesa Geromino, Chamonix Higginson, Ariel Katzir, Rene Lehner, Todd Marshall, Tia Monument, Andrew Mullet, Marite Norris, Kim Perrier, Courtney Smith, Anita Staaden, Ed Stafford, Liliana Stafford, Ben Veljacich, Mike Walmsley, Andrew Wilmott, Georgia Zoric.
Gary Aitken, Tracie Anderson, Margaret Beechey Rothery, Sherri Brown, Carol Clitheroe, Marilyn Davis-Moore, Angela Delury, Tich Dixon, Doodles in Transit, Sky Edwards, Francesca Geromino, Joan Johnson, Margie Kristofich, Gail McCahon, Carolyn McIntosh, Janice O’Meara, Tony Pankiw, Garry Robson, Pip Rundle, Linda Smith, Anita Staaden, Liliana Stafford, Pam Tuckett, Pene Turner.
Alta-1 Rockingham, Charthouse Primary School, Cooloongup Primary School, Rockingham Beach Education Support Centre, Rockingham Beach Primary School, Safety Bay Primary School, Safety Bay Senior High School, Settlers Primary School, SMYL Community College, South Coast Baptist College.
Artwork: Pam Tuckett, The Comfort of Memories, recycled dress patterns, doilies, rust prints on tissue. Image courtesy the artist.