By the mountain and the sea
Sculpture Bermagui is throwing the doors open to artists from around Australia and beyond from now until 15 January 2025.
For our 2025 event, we invite you to challenge, excite and ignite our visitors, and exhibit in our exceptional space in the heart of Bermagui. Arguably the most stunning outdoor exhibition space on the east coast of NSW, Dickinson point sits between the picturesque Horseshoe Bay and the ever changing Tasman Sea, beneath the majesty of Mount Gulaga.
Nestled in Horseshoe Bay itself sits Bermagui Surf Lifesaving Club, which will host works that cannot be subjected to the elements, while still offering the best of our unique location.
Our event continues to grow and evolve, and this year welcomes new judge David Jensz a renowned sculptor in his own right. With new initiatives such as a family picnic on the last Saturday and a “Beauty from the Ashes” sculpting residency recently completed, Sculpture Bermagui will continue to attract visitors and buyers and offer opportunities for sculptors new and established.
Did we mention there are 13 prizes up for grabs, with prize money totalling over $50,000.
Sculpture Bermagui 2025 will provide entry to 160 sculptures across our two locations. With record sales of artworks in 2024, we again expect over 8,000 visitors in 2025 across the nine day exhibition.
Sculpture Bermagui is about showcasing our artists’ work, and as such is committed to supporting artists. Curatorial advice in the form of guidelines and judging criteria is available for artists at any time from now until entries close on 15 January 2025.
David Jensz – New Judge for 2025 event
We are very excited to have David Jensz as the new judge for the 2025 event. David is an innovative contemporary sculptor whose practice spans studio-based works and public art commissions. His practice is informed by physics and contemporary theories of space and time as well as how the planet is impacted by climate and human intervention.
David holds a graduate diploma in Sculpture from the Canberra School of Art and taught sculpture and drawing part-time at the Australian National University, School of Art and Design until 2017. He has exhibited widely in Australia and overseas including New York, Thailand, Japan, New Zealand and India. He has been the recipient of prestigious awards and grants including Australia Council and Asialink residencies and grants.
David has work in collections in Australia and Overseas including the National Gallery of Australia, university collections and regional museums and galleries. David is a freelance artist who works from his purpose built studio at Murrumbateman, near Canberra.
Victoria Nelson – Curator
Victoria Nelson is a versatile, experienced artist with major commissions and a deep appreciation of Bermagui’s natural environment.
Victoria is aiming to build on the practical support for exhibitors provided by Sculpture Bermagui, focusing on an easier process for sculptors ‘to exhibit, sell their work and have a fantastic time doing so’ at the annual Bermagui exhibition.
Carolyn Killen – Curator
Victoria is joined in 2025 by Carolyn Killen, former proprietor of the Ivy Hill Gallery near Bermagui.
Carolyn has recently brought her expertise in art and sculpture to exhibiting a collection from some of Australia’s best regional artists in Cootamundra.
Selection Criteria
Our Selection Committee will select sculptures from those that have been entered for the exhibition based on the following criteria:
- Original Concept
- Professional standard
- Suitability of Materials
- Readiness for Display
- Suitability for Public Display (OH&S)
Presentation of photographic image(s) is vital for the selection committee to be able to make decisions.
For detailed information on how you can become involved in our 2025 event and our terms and conditions please see the Exhibiting at Sculpture Bermagui 2025 document.
Entries are now open
The process of registration for the 2025 exhibition has changed a little from last year. We trust these changes make the process a little easier for you.
We have added new security measures to protect your personal information through a Token-based Authentication system which allows you to verify your identity, and in return receive a unique access token. There is no password process, so nothing for you to remember (or forget).
Please complete the 2025 Entry Form to submit your entry. Please also note that payment of the entry fee is due when you complete your submission.
If you need assistance with completing the entry form please refer to our 2025 Artist Registration Instructions PDF document.
Please note that entries will close on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 5pm.
Need to know
Entries close: Wednesday 15th January 2025
Notification of selection: Friday 31 January 2025
Bump in starts: Thursday 6th March 2025
Bump in concludes: Friday 7th March 2025
Volunteer induction: Friday 7th March 2025
Judging commences: Friday 7th March 2025
Event open to the public: Saturday 8th March to Sunday 16th March 2025
Awards presentation: Friday 7th March 2025 (invitation only event)
Bump out: Sunday 16th and Monday 17th March 2025
Artist resources
To assist in supporting your practice and preparing to exhibit your work, you may find some of this information helpful:
- Create NSW – Applications for Small Project Grants (Quick Response) are open.
- National Association for the Visual Arts – NAVA The National Association for the Visual Arts (NAVA) leads advocacy, policy and action for a contemporary Australian arts sector that’s ambitious and fair. NAVA provides information, training, support and help needed to work for yourself in the creative and cultural industries
- South East Arts is the regional arts and cultural development organisation covering the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro council areas. SEA actively support the ongoing development of, and participation in, arts and culture throughout the NSW South East region. South East Arts staff are available to help artists, arts organisations and community groups to apply for arts related grants and to assist in finding funding opportunities. Please contact them for assistance or advice.