Swell Sculpture Festival transforms beach into open-air gallery
Published Friday, 12 September, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast will be transformed into an open-air exhibition for the next 10 days with the Swell Sculpture Festival opening today.
Arts Minister Rod Welford encouraged Gold Coast residents and visitors to take part in the free festival, which features innovative sculptures from 48 Australian and two international artists.
“More than 200,000 people are expected to walk along Currumbin foreshore to view the quirky and reflective sculptures featured in the festival,” Mr Welford said.
“Works include Gregory Roy Cope’s Steel Stilettos; Anna Louise Parson’s Aussie Origami; Monte Lupo’s urbanised Soldier Crabs; and Corinne Colbert’s Wind Frock.
“The Swell Sculpture Festival is a celebration of Queensland identity and lifestyle, engaging with our unique sense of humour and desire for excellence, and it’s set against an exceptionally beautiful landscape.
“This year’s festival also includes a music program, kite-making workshops for children, artist talks and a symposium on public art.
“Our Government is a proud supporter of the festival, contributing $50,000 to its operational costs through the s2m program, which funds the state’s small to medium arts sector.”
Mr Welford said the festival, now in its sixth year, is a key event on the Gold Coast’s cultural calendar.
“This event makes the arts accessible to every member of the community by combining our love of the beach with the arts,” he said.
“The Swell Sculpture Festival had received project funding from Arts Queensland in 2006 and 2007, but last year became an annual s2m funding recipient.
“This funding boost reflected the festival’s growth, strategic planning and its strong engagement with the Gold Coast community.”
The 50 art works are in the running for seven awards, including the $20,000 Gold Coast City Council Acquisition Award, the $3000 Currumbin RSL People’s Choice Award and the $2000 Currumbin RSL Kids’ Choice Award.
Smaller works by the exhibiting artists, Swell Smalls Gallery, will be on show at nearby exhibition space The Way of Design throughout the festival. Visit www.swellsculpture.com.au for more information and a program of events.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336
Arts Minister Rod Welford encouraged Gold Coast residents and visitors to take part in the free festival, which features innovative sculptures from 48 Australian and two international artists.
“More than 200,000 people are expected to walk along Currumbin foreshore to view the quirky and reflective sculptures featured in the festival,” Mr Welford said.
“Works include Gregory Roy Cope’s Steel Stilettos; Anna Louise Parson’s Aussie Origami; Monte Lupo’s urbanised Soldier Crabs; and Corinne Colbert’s Wind Frock.
“The Swell Sculpture Festival is a celebration of Queensland identity and lifestyle, engaging with our unique sense of humour and desire for excellence, and it’s set against an exceptionally beautiful landscape.
“This year’s festival also includes a music program, kite-making workshops for children, artist talks and a symposium on public art.
“Our Government is a proud supporter of the festival, contributing $50,000 to its operational costs through the s2m program, which funds the state’s small to medium arts sector.”
Mr Welford said the festival, now in its sixth year, is a key event on the Gold Coast’s cultural calendar.
“This event makes the arts accessible to every member of the community by combining our love of the beach with the arts,” he said.
“The Swell Sculpture Festival had received project funding from Arts Queensland in 2006 and 2007, but last year became an annual s2m funding recipient.
“This funding boost reflected the festival’s growth, strategic planning and its strong engagement with the Gold Coast community.”
The 50 art works are in the running for seven awards, including the $20,000 Gold Coast City Council Acquisition Award, the $3000 Currumbin RSL People’s Choice Award and the $2000 Currumbin RSL Kids’ Choice Award.
Smaller works by the exhibiting artists, Swell Smalls Gallery, will be on show at nearby exhibition space The Way of Design throughout the festival. Visit www.swellsculpture.com.au for more information and a program of events.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336