Swan Valley

Internationally acclaimed artist Bordalo II (pronounced Bordalo Segundo) will create multiple installations across the Swan Valley, together forming a trail for visitors and locals to explore.

The trail will strengthen the Swan Valley's place as one of Western Australia's favourite destinations, welcoming more people to the region and connecting them with Whadjuk Noongar culture and the region's creative life.

The $2.2 million public art project is supported by the Western Australian Government, through Tourism Western Australia, as part of the Swan Valley and Perth Hills Tourism Package election commitment.

The project is a Western Australian State Government initiative, managed by Tourism Western Australia and produced by FORM.

Bordalo II (Bordalo Segundo), one of Portugal's most acclaimed contemporary artists, is internationally recognised for his striking large-scale sculptures and murals created from recycled and reclaimed materials. Through his work, he encourages audiences to reflect on humanity's environmental impact and the challenges facing wildlife, biodiversity and natural habitats. Many of his artworks highlight endangered species and the urgent need for conservation.

The Swan Valley project brings together a trail of multiple large-scale sculptures and a mural across the region. In early 2026, Bordalo II visited the Swan Valley to undertake a site inspection and creative research. During his visit, he explored a range of potential locations and met with Whadjuk Noongar Elders, local artists and businesses to better understand the landscape, culture and stories of the region. These insights will inform the development of artworks that are both locally meaningful and globally significant.

The Swan Valley is uniquely positioned to host a sculpture trail that celebrates Australian native wildlife while further enhancing its reputation as one of Western Australia’s premier tourism destinations. The project creates opportunities for collaboration with local communities, artists, businesses, and tourism operators, helping to increase visitation and raise the profile of the region. The trail responds to community aspirations for new attractions and experiences that encourage exploration, support local businesses, enrich arts and cultural offerings, strengthen connections to the Swan River, and contribute to the ongoing beautification of the area.

By inviting visitors to experience the Swan Valley in new ways, the trail also has the potential to increase visitation during quieter periods, extend visitor stays, and boost local spending. Most importantly, the project demonstrates how arts and culture can enhance public spaces, foster community connections, and create a more vibrant and engaging destination for both residents and visitors.

The installations will form a trail across the Swan Valley, encouraging visitors to journey through the region, discover hidden gems, and connect with its unique landscapes and experiences.

The exact locations will be revealed in due course, adding an element of anticipation and surprise.

Material Sourcing – April to December 2026

Local artist engagement, EOI’s and commissions – September and October 2026  

Installation – early 2027

Launch – early 2027

We are working closely with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, the City of Swan, local businesses and the community to assess and manage environmental and cultural heritage impacts.

As the project progresses, comprehensive environmental and cultural heritage impact assessments will be conducted for each location, alongside ongoing consultation with the relevant community members and organisations.

Artists

If you are a local artist or fabricator, there will be multiple opportunities to be involved, and we are keen to hear from you.
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Opportunities will include artist workshops to help shape the collaborative and commissioning opportunities within the project; direct commissions for inclusion in the trail, guided by the workshop process; fabrication and employment opportunities working alongside Bordalo’s studio team; and skills sharing workshops with Bordalo during construction, offering insight into his process and working methods.

Businesses

Championing local businesses is a key part of this project. Opportunities will include business development workshops, where we want to hear how we can best support your business, and Business Development Grants delivered through matched service providers. Would you like to be involved? We are keen to hear from you.

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FORM is an independent, non-profit creative organisation, based in Perth, and working across Western Australia. Our team of 40+ people is dedicated to our mission of developing a vibrant creative economy for the benefit and wellbeing of all Western Australian communities. 

We have extensive experience in delivering large-scale installations, festivals and events, high-impact partnerships, and meaningful community engagement, such as Field of Light: Avenue of Honour by Bruce Munro (2018), Thomas Dambo’s Giants of Mandurah (2022-ongoing) and Lighting the Sound (2026). Our work has currency both globally and on a local level, through a regenerative approach.  

We connect and collaborate with communities, creative practitioners, businesses and all levels of government throughout the State. We explore and empower meaningful social and cultural engagement through artistic projects, high-impact partnerships, and creative learning programs.  

In responding to Western Australia’s size, diversity, economic complexity and creative potential, we’re unafraid to push boundaries in supporting the growth of confident, expressive mindsets and lives.