Member for Dawesville Lisa Munday MLA, Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams, Member for Mandurah and Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman, Member for Murray-Wellington Robyn Clarke and FORM CEO Tabitha McMullan in Mandurah for the announcement of the sculptures project.
A series of enormous wooden sculptures will call Western Australia home when they are built and installed by their creator, internationally renowned Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo, in the City of Mandurah, an hour south of Perth.
Initiated and produced by FORM – Building a State of Creativity Inc. and delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah with support from Tourism WA, Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures in Western Australia is an Australian-first major cultural tourism project that is anticipated to bring thousands of visitors to Mandurah and Western Australia’s Peel region, in what will also be a boost for the local economy.
“Mandurah is a city renowned across Australia for its natural beauty, making it the perfect home for Thomas Dambo’s celebrated artworks,” said Mayor Rhys Williams.
“Thomas’ unique approach to promoting the protection of the natural world fits beautifully with our Mandurah story, and we feel very privileged to be part of such a special project.”
Dambo has exhibited extensively throughout the world including in Denmark, USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile. Both an artist and activist, Dambo’s practice celebrates the diversity, beauty and importance of the natural world, with the artist’s works handmade using recycled and locally sourced materials. Through his trash to treasure approach, Dambo highlights the possibilities found in waste and the urgency of environmental sustainability.
“We can design an entire world out of trash when we know what to do with it. That’s why I build these larger-than-life projects out of recycled wood and materials. I hope my work inspires others to be kinder to nature and our planet,” said Dambo.
This free-to-view outdoor exhibition from Dambo will feature at least five site specific works – each up to 5 metres tall - that will engage with stories of Mandurah through inspiration from the local community involved in their creation. The sculptures are intended to be protectors of the environment, and will be placed in secret locations to be discovered and explored.
FORM has proudly delivered cultural projects to the community for more than two decades, using creativity and the arts to enhance the lives and livelihoods of Western Australians across the State. These projects include the Canning Stock Route project, the PUBLIC Silo Trail, Field of Light: Avenue of Honour in Albany.
FORM’s CEO Tabitha McMullan said, “FORM is excited to be working with our partners, the community in Mandurah, and Thomas Dambo, to bring Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures in Western Australia to life, which will no doubt capture the imaginations of both the young and young-at-heart. This project will highlight important local stories from the region, connecting Mandurah to the artist’s global narrative. As a free-to-view outdoor sculpture trail, it will also provide access to arts and culture for thousands of people, transforming the traditional gallery experience.”
Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures in Western Australia is expected to launch towards the end of 2022 and has been made possible by support from the State Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; as well as support from the City of Mandurah.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Roger Cook said, “The State Government, through Tourism WA, is proud to support this Australian-first exhibition. This exciting series of installations will create awe and excitement for families all across the State, and bring thousands of visitors to the Peel region to not only discover the exhibition, but to support local tourism businesses in the surrounding areas.”
Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said, “The State Government’s Regional Events Program plays a vital role in bringing unique artistic events like this to regional communities. Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures in Western Australia will drive thousands of visitors to the City of Mandurah and the wider Peel region, which will boost the local economy and increase the profile of the area for years to come.”
Minister for Culture and the Arts and Member for Mandurah David Templeman said, “I’m beyond thrilled that Mandurah will host Thomas Dambo’s Sculptures in Western Australia, an exhibition with global resonance that will highlight the importance of protecting the natural wonders of our very own backyard, and draw visitors from near and far.”
Thomas Dambo
Thomas Dambo is considered the world’s leading recycle artist, having been taught from a young age the value of recycling, sustainability, and unlimited imagination. Previously, Dambo has led a multifaceted life that allowed him to express his creativity via music, street art, and scenic design. After graduating from the Kolding Design School with a master’s degree in interactive design, Dambo began his current journey of using recycled materials to create colourful art installations, building the foundation for his artwork today.
Dambo’s high level of creativity drives the creation of highly interactive experiences, allowing users to express their own individuality on a large scale. From gardens made of recycled plastics to a functioning DIY Christmas market made from commercial refuse, Dambo creates experiences that are immersive, interactive, and awe-inspiring. Today, Dambo is known internationally for his larger-than-life sculptures that are all made from recycled wood. With 87 sculptures all over the world, these have begun to have a life of their own.
Dambo’s vision is to create art that inspires people to go explore, have adventures in nature, and demonstrates that trash can be turned into something beautiful.
FORM
FORM is an independent, not-for-profit arts and cultural organisation based in Claremont and operating across Western Australia. We aim to be a leader in the development of a vibrant creative economy for the benefit and wellbeing of all Western Australian communities.
FORM’s vision is to be a major contributor in ensuring Western Australia is a vibrant, thriving, and connected participant in a global creative economy, and that our work is world-renowned for its ability to catalyse unique cultural expression, arising from our State’s healthy and prosperous communities.
FORM values positive social impact through creativity; demonstrating the value of creativity in making a difference to people’s lives.
FORM works to build a cultural and creative ecology for Western Australia that values artistic excellence, improves arts access for all, and encourages the development of resilient and vibrant communities. This work is delivered through five key strategies: Aboriginal Partnership; Creative Learning; Cultural Tourism; Cultural Programming and Production; and Sector and Community Development.
At the core of FORM’s programming is a process of collaboration with many diverse communities and stakeholders to enable outcomes that are mutually beneficial, authentic and enduring.
