Joel Adler, ‘Viewfinder’, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2019. Photo Henri Fanti.
With over 100 artworks by Australian and international sculptors, the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition will surprise and delight for its 24th year, with approximately 450,000 visitors expected to attend over the three-week exhibition.
Supported by Principal Sponsor Aqualand, the Federal Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, and Create NSW among others, this year’s exhibition will see exhibition favourites return including Helen Lempriere Scholarship recipients Marina DeBris (Sydney, NSW) and Stephen King (Walcha, NSW); alongside Danish artist and granddaughter of Jørn Utzon, Naja Utzon Popov, as the inaugural recipient of the new $15,000 Friendship Society of Denmark, Australia and New Zealand Danish Artist Award;.
Thanks to the RISE Grant, over the next two years $250,000 in funding will go directly to Australian artists in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi to ensure they each receive a minimum of $4,500 of income, an increase from the $3,000 provided to each Australian and international artist by Create NSW.
David Handley, Founding CEO & Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea, said: “It is great to be planning to stage the exhibition without the spectre of almost certain cancellation hanging over our heads. The excitement is building as the artists, our staff and everyone who supports us financially believe the exhibition will go ahead.”
“I am delighted to welcome the highly anticipated return of the world-famous Sculpture by the Sea outdoor exhibition along our glorious coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama Beach and Marks Park community headland park,” Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said.
“Council has a strong commitment to supporting our artists, especially given the ongoing impact of COVID on the arts sector. So I am proud that Waverley Council has provided in-kind and cash support for the event for more than 23 years.
“I am also very pleased to welcome back visitors to Sculpture by the Sea to appreciate this latest exhibition, and to applaud the artists who have worked to make its return special.”
Managing Director of Aqualand Jin Lin said, “It is with great excitement that Aqualand continues as Principal Sponsor of Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi as the exhibition returns after three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic stopping the 2020 and 2021 exhibitions from taking place. Aqualand is pleased to have supported this important not-for-profit organisation during these challenging and uncertain years, so they were ready to stage the exhibition for the people of Sydney and its visitors when restrictions lifted. All of the team at Aqualand cannot wait to explore the Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi exhibition when it opens in October this year. It is a highlight in the Aqualand calendar!”