Come fill our gallery
Sculpture Bermagui is throwing the doors open to artists from around Australia and beyond from now until 15 January 2024.
For our 2024 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 renowned judge Geoffrey Edwards and new curator Victoria Nelson. With new initiatives such as a Bioluminescence feature and a “Beauty from the Ashes” sculpting residency, 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 2024 will provide entry to 160 sculptures across our two locations. With record sales of artworks in 2023, we expect over 8,000 visitors in 2024 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 2024.
Geoffrey Edwards – New Judge for 2024 event
We are very excited to have Geoffrey Edwards as the new judge for the 2024 event. Formerly Senior Curator of Sculpture at the National Gallery of Victoria, Geoffrey was Director of the Geelong Art Gallery from 1999 to 2016. He is advisor on sculpture to public and private collections and is widely published in the field.
Geoffrey is a member of the Curatorial Advisory Panel for Sculpture by the Sea and is curatorial adviser to Melbourne’s Gandel family in respect of their celebrated Pt Leo Estate Sculpture Park on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
Geoffrey is expecting to see works this year that reflect the multitude of forms and directions that sculpture has taken over the course of recent decades but, above all, he is looking forward to seeing works that reveal an understanding of scale (large or small), media and process (whether traditional or unorthodox) and, of course, originality of thought.
Victoria Nelson – New Curator for 2024 event
We are also very pleased to welcome Victoria Nelson, our new curator. Victoria is a versatile, experienced artist with major commissions and a deep appreciation of Bermagui’s natural environment.
The Cuttagee resident has taken on the curatorial role from Pauline Balos, who relocated to Yass after 17 years with Sculpture Bermagui.
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.
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 2024 event and our terms and conditions please see the Exhibiting at Sculpture Bermagui 2024 document.
Entries are now open
Please complete the 2024 Entry Form to submit your entry. Please 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 Artist Registration Instructions 2024 PDF document.
Please note that entries will close on Monday 15 January 2024 at 5pm.
Need to know
Entries close: Monday 15th January 2024
Notification of selection: Wednesday 31 January 2024
Bump in starts: Thursday 7th March 2024
Bump in concludes: Friday 8th March 2024
Volunteer induction: Friday 1st March 2024
Judging commences: Friday 8th March 2024
Event open to the public: Saturday 9th March to Sunday 17th March 2024
Awards presentation: Friday 8th March 2024 (invitation only event)
Bump out: Sunday 17th and Monday 18th March 2024
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.