Sculpture by the Sea: inspiring our future artists and innovators

Thousands of Western Australian school students will take part in the Alcoa Schools Education Program at Sculpture by the Sea Cottesloe this month—participating in workshops that encourage creativity, critical thinking, motivation and self-confidence—the key building blocks for innovation. 

(L-R) Alcoa of Australia Managing Director Michael Parker, sculptor Aliesha Mafrici, the Hon Michael Mischin MLC, and Founding Director David Handley.

Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said as a founding sponsor and major partner, Alcoa is proud to offer its support for the 13th year.
“More than 2,500 Western Australian school students will participate in the Alcoa Schools Education Program, where they’ll meet with artists and learn about the creative process before making their very own masterpieces,” he said.

“For the young people who come to play, look and learn about the sculptures the possibilities are endless. They are the next generation of artists, engineers, dreamers and thinkers.”

This year, four outstanding artists—April Pine, Aliesha Mafrici, Benjamin Storch and Ron Gomboc have created aluminium sculptures that reflect the versatility and artistic possibilities of a product Alcoa has been producing in Australia for more than 50 years.

Since 2005, Alcoa has offered a materials subsidy for artists working in aluminium, which reduces material costs and encourages young and emerging artists to participate.

“I’m excited to announce further support for 21-year-old WA artist Aliesha Mafrici, whose sculpture ‘Stasis III’ is a striking centrepiece for the exhibition and an iconic work in aluminium,” Mr Parker said.

“Alcoa’s support has given me the honourable opportunity to showcase a beautiful material, as well as the opportunity to grow as an artist,” Aliesha said.

“This will be my second major aluminium sculpture. My goal was to find a way to show just how far I’ve come in a year.

“In 2016 I managed to create the entire piece from my parent’s garage, however this time that wasn’t possible as I took on the ambitious task to learn more about aluminium and welding.

“Aluminium is an incredible material to work with…complicated at the best of times, but well worth the hard work.”

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Media contacts:
Mika Sangalli – 0409 125 623 / mika.sangalli@alcoa.com.au
Jane McGuire – 0410 694 676 / jane.mcguire@alcoa.com.au