Published on Friday, 20 February 2026 at 10:47:01 AM
The much-loved Dunsborough Arts Festival returns this March long weekend to mark its 25th anniversary, transforming the stunning Dunsborough Foreshore into a vibrant celebration of art, music and creativity.
Running from Saturday 28 February to Monday 2 March 2026, the festival will deliver a dynamic, family-friendly program set against the picturesque backdrop of Dunsborough’s foreshore and iconic peppermint trees. Supported through the City of Busselton Events Sponsorship Program and proudly presented by the Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association, the festival showcases the region’s thriving creative community through exhibitions, live performances, interactive workshops and hands-on artistic experiences.
A centrepiece of the festival program is Sculpture by the Bay, presented by Bandicoot Productions Inc. Since 2012, the City of Busselton has expanded Dunsborough’s public art collection through its Acquisitive Prize, awarded annually as part of the exhibition. Winning works are permanently installed throughout the town and along the foreshore, contributing to the ever-growing Dunsborough Sculpture Trail. In 2025, the City acquired ‘Wayfinder’ by Scott Michell, a striking sculptural work that now offers a unique shaded space for visitors to pause and enjoy the coastal art trail.
Mayor Phill Cronin said: “The City is proud to continue its long-standing support of both the festival and Sculpture by the Bay.”
“The festival provides a wonderful opportunity to bring people together while celebrating and promoting both professional and emerging artists from our region through the City’s Acquisitive Prize. It also supports the continued growth of public art along the Dunsborough Sculpture Trail.”
“With over 100 artists exhibiting, the judges will have an incredibly challenging task selecting this year’s winners across the various categories, including the City’s Prize. The calibre of emerging, developing, and professional artists continues to astound me.”
Chair of Bandicoot Productions Inc., Greg Banfield said: “We’re excited to present the 15th edition of Sculpture by the Bay in 2026. We have a diverse range of artists exhibiting across the Small Sculpture Exhibition at Christian Fletcher Gallery and the Large Sculpture Exhibition on the Dunsborough Foreshore.”
The Festival’s 25th anniversary promises a rich program of creativity, community connection and coastal charm, inviting visitors and locals alike to experience art by the bay in one of Western Australia’s most picturesque settings. For program details, visit: https://dunsboroughprogress.com.au/pages/dunsborough-arts-festival
Objectives outlined in this statement are aligned with the City of Busselton’s Council Plan (2024 - 2034) Key Theme Lifestyle – Our community is safe, welcoming and inclusive, with access to services and facilities to support good health and wellbeing.
Photo for general use: Pictured with the 2025 Acquisitive Prize sculpture ‘Wayfinder’, City of Busselton Mayor, Phill Cronin; Bandicoot Productions, Jenny Fletcher; and City of Busselton Cultural Development Officer, Jacquie Happ.
Ends. Media enquiries can be directed to pr@busselton.wa.gov.au
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