In an Australian-first the ‘Giants of Mandurah’ will come to life this weekend in a spectacular free exhibition of larger-than-life hidden sculptures by world-renowned Danish artist, Thomas Dambo.
The Giants have been built in secret locations throughout Mandurah and the Peel region – plus an additional one in Subiaco – and will be waiting for explorers of all ages and abilities to come and find them in an interactive sculpture trail.
The sculptures will reside in their hiding spots for at least the next year and are expected to attract a high number of visitors to the region, providing a significant boost to the local accommodation, hospitality and tourism industries.
The Giants of Mandurah is supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industries, and Lotterywest, as well as the City of Subiaco and the Alcoa Foundation.
The project was initiated and produced by WA arts and culture organisation FORM – Building a State of Creativity Inc and delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah.
Thomas Dambo is famous for his wooden creations, which are made entirely from recycled materials and convey important messages about conservation, environmental protection, and respect for nature.
The Giants of Mandurah exhibition is the artist’s first and only outdoor sculpture discovery trail in Australia to date and aims to encourage visitors to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the natural surroundings and wonders of the Peel region, while searching for the Giants.
Dambo has previously held successful sculpture exhibitions in Denmark, the USA, France, Germany, China, South Korea and Chile
The Traditional Custodians of the Peel region, the Bindjareb People of the Noongar Nation, have shared the stories of land on which each giant is placed on signage in each location.
Allocating more than one day to find all the Giants is recommended, providing the ideal opportunity for visitors to plan an overnight stay in Mandurah, and the Peel region.
Before they set out on their quest to find the Giants, people will be encouraged to pick up the 52-page Giants of Mandurah Travellers’ Companion guide from the Mandurah Visitor Centre or download a copy from giantsofmandurah.com.au
Once visitors have completed their quest and discovered all the Giants for themselves, there is only one direction left to follow: “Don’t spoil the game for anyone else.”
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government is pleased to bring the Giants of Mandurah to Western Australia and they have chosen the spectacular Peel region to call their home for at least the next 12 months.
“This Australian first project will only be exhibited right here in Mandurah, and is yet another example of the incredible tourism, arts and cultural events that Western Australia continues to offer which brings a boost to the local economy and supports local jobs.”
As stated by Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
“Visitors from near and far will soon start exploring the Peel region and seek out the hidden Giants of Mandurah for themselves.
“We encourage those who are visiting Mandurah and the Peel region to discover the Giants of Mandurah and then stay longer, to experience all the fantastic accommodation, dining and tourism options that the local area has to offer.”
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“The Giants of Mandurah outdoor exhibition firmly puts Mandurah and surrounds on the map as a location with a unique hospitality scene and thriving arts and culture program that the entire community can enjoy, free of charge for an entire year.
“It is wonderful that everyone will have the opportunity to appreciate these impressive sculptures while participating in a healthy, outdoor activity and enjoying quality time with their children, family and friends.”
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
“This one-of-a-kind initiative will bring communities and people together to appreciate the natural beauty of the Peel region and support local businesses while they are here.”
As stated by Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday:
“It has been wonderful to see the community come together to support the establishment of this one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibition, which will elevate the fantastic Peel region as a tourism and leisure destination, and an area of great natural beauty.”
