Albany 2026: Art, culture and country set to collide in contemporary Sculptures at Binalup event this April

Art will meet the ocean at Middleton Beach this April, when Sculptures at Binalup transforms the foreshore into an outdoor gallery. Local artist Mae Elliott is organising the large-scale outdoor exhibition, which will celebrate contemporary art alongside the cultural and ecological significance of Binalup/Middleton Beach. The 10-day exhibition will feature contemporary sculpture and installation works created in close collaboration with Menang Noongar leaders, ensuring the exhibition reflects the Albany 2026 manifesto of truth-telling, connection to country, and respect for thousands of years of cultural care for the land. Elliott said the project had allowed her to combine her creative practice with meaningful community engagement. “It’s a great way that I can use my unique and diverse skill set to bring something really wonderful to our community that anchors cultural connection and place-based art for the public to enjoy and experience,” she said. The exhibition will showcase 16 artworks, each responding to the Albany 2026 theme of the past, present and future. Several of the works have been created collaboratively with direct involvement from the community. Elliot said high school students would be invited to contribute ideas to the Menang-centric portion of the exhibition. “We’ve got a school outreach program going to begin in a few weeks, which will invite some high school students to create artworks as part of the broader Menang-led installation and invite students to consider their connection to country and how First Nations people have lived in harmony with the landscape for many thousands of years,” she said. “The school outreach program is being led by Aunty Carol Pettersen, who is one of our local Menang elders.” Elliott said it had been a privilege to work alongside Ms Pettersen on this project. “As part of Sculpture at Binalup, I’ve been privileged to work alongside matriarch Menang-Gnudju Aunty Carol Pettersen OAM JP to develop a large-scale collaborative installation called WIRIN WAY that invites our community to listen deeply, connect meaningfully, and celebrate thousands of years of care for this land,” she said. Elliott said she hoped the exhibition would offer visitors a deeper understanding of art and place. “I hope people get to have a cultural and artistic experience in what is a beautiful landscape and place to simply be at Binalup,” she said. “I love that there’s young and old interacting and enjoying the artwork and understanding more about our cultural landscape while they have a curated artistic experience.” The exhibition will take place from April 10-19.