Sculpture Festival Sees the Gold Coast Swell With Pride

More than 50 sculptures created by artists from across the globe will form an impressive outdoor gallery along Currumbin’s foreshore on the Gold Coast for the 2013 Swell Sculpture Festival.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events and Member for Currumbin, Jann Stuckey, opened the festival on Currumbin Beach tonight, welcoming the event back to the Gold Coast for its 11^th year.

“The Swell Sculpture Festival transforms Currumbin Beach into a spectacular art exhibition, providing visitors and locals alike with another fantastic experience on Queensland’s Gold Coast,” Ms Stuckey said.

“As the member for Currumbin, I have seen this festival grow from a small weekend display into an unforgettable 10-day experience, welcoming artists from interstate and overseas to showcase their works on the Gold Coast.

“Event organisers expect more than 195,000 visitors will travel to the Gold Coast for this years’ event, delivering a major boost to the local economy, filling hotels, cafes and restaurants.”

Arts Minister Ian Walker said the Newman Government supports the Swell Sculpture Festival through Tourism and Events Queensland and Arts Queensland.

“The State Government is proud to continue investing in arts and culture across the Gold Coast region through local events such as the Swell Sculpture Festival,” Mr Walker said.

“They play a vital role in contributing to Queensland’s tourism industry and provide significant economic and social benefits to local communities.”

The Swell Sculpture Festival runs from September 13 – 22. For more information on the Swell Sculpture Festival visit www.swellsculpture.com.au

Discover more great events in Queensland at www.queensland.com

[ENDS] 12 September 2013

Media contacts:         Minister Stuckey - 3224 2002

Minister Walker – 3719 7471