Sculpture by the Sea is delighted to announce that this year’s Bondi exhibition will open as planned on 17 October thanks to a $200,000 contribution from NRMA Insurance, which will become a major partner of the event, as well as the immediate response to the call for donations from people across Australia and around the world.
In addition to help from NRMA Insurance, Sculpture by the Sea received overwhelming public support with more than $125,000 in donations received within 30 hours of the public appeal. Amounts ranged from $5 or $10 up to the thousands of dollars, received from people across Australia and as far away as New York, Singapore, France, Czech Republic and Japan. The call for public donations was stopped once the NRMA Insurance partnership was confirmed late on Thursday.
David Handley, Founding Director of Sculpture by the Sea said, “Thank you to so many people who responded so quickly to our funding short fall. The response has lifted the spirits of the artists and our staff. The telephone call from NRMA Insurance on Thursday was like a dream and a decision was reached in a matter of hours. Importantly, the partnership with NRMA Insurance will assist participating artists and will support the revival of some aspects of the School Education Program in time for next month’s exhibition.”
NRMA Insurance CEO Julie Batch said, “For 100 years, NRMA Insurance has been protecting what matters most to Australians and Sculpture by the Sea is undeniably a cherished part of our cultural and creative arts landscape. When we learned this iconic event was at risk, we immediately reached out to help. Sculpture by the Sea not only celebrates and supports Australia’s arts sector but it also fosters community connection, bringing people together from all walks of life. We’re proud to contribute $200,000 to help ensure this beloved event continues to bring joy, inspiration and creativity to the shores of Bondi and beyond.”
David Handley added, “We are grateful to our new partner NRMA Insurance, to the many people who rallied around, to the artists for their patience and trust, to our Principal Sponsor Aqualand and our other sponsors and donors, for the support of the media, and for the goodwill from the people of NSW and the many messages of support from around the world. We look forward to staging this year’s exhibition that opens on 17 October until 3 November.”
For further information on Sculpture by the Sea, please contact:
Jillian Heggie, NIXCO | T: 61 2 8399 0626 | E: [email protected]
IMAGES FROM SCULPTURE BY THE SEA, BONDI 2024 CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE
About NRMA Insurance: A Help Company
NRMA Insurance is Australia’s most trusted insurance brand1, helping more than 3 million Australians protect what matters.
Help has been at the heart of NRMA Insurance since its beginnings in 1925 as a member-only company that provided motor insurance policies to the first drivers in NSW. NRMA Insurance has grown to become a national brand that helps people protect their cars, homes and businesses. It has a proud history of working with communities to build their resilience against extreme weather and keep people safer on the road. NRMA Insurance helps Australians understand their local risks and prepare for extreme weather through its Help Nation initiative.
NRMA Insurance is backed by IAG, Australia and New Zealand’s largest general insurer.
1Roy Morgan Most Trusted Brands 2025
NRMA Insurance:
Nicole Schulz | 0411 011 201 | [email protected]