Sculpture by the Sea is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Champagne Pommery for a fourth consecutive year.
As a National Supporting Partner, Champagne Pommery demonstrates its enduring commitment to contemporary art through the Pommery Champagne Artist Award, a $5,000 award presented at both the Cottesloe and Bondi exhibitions.
The recipient for Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe 2026 is announced as New Zealand artist, Anton Forde for his sculpture titled ‘Tūhono / Stand connected’.
Selected by Monsieur and Madame Vranken, owners of Maison Pommery & Associés this award recognises an work that reflects artistic integrity, technical mastery and conceptual depth.
The work considers humanity’s enduring relationship with thenatural world, our capacity to connect, disconnect and reconnect. Conceived as a symbolic entranceway, the sculpture draws on ancient systems of duality, water, light, celestial star formations and life’s journeys. Forde employs traditional wedge-and-feather stone-splitting techniques, honouring historical craftsmanship while establishing a striking contemporary presence within the coastal landscape.
On receiving the award the artist wrote:
‘Experiencing Pommery’s extraordinary underground galleries in Reims left a profound impression on my practice. The dialogue between art, history and environment resonated deeply with my own approach to material and form. I am truly honoured to receive this recognition.’
Champagne Pommery has a distinguished history of supporting contemporary art. Each year in Reims, the House presents #Experience Pommery, a major exhibition staged within its historic chalk quarries, spanning 18 kilometers of underground galleries, an immersive setting that reflects its ongoing cultural vision.
The partnership between Sculpture by the Sea and Champagne Pommery celebrates artistic excellence while fostering meaningful international cultural exchange.