Sculpture by the Sea now Harbourside

Two icons have joined forces to create a major new sculpture collection with the winning work from Sculpture by the Sea gifted to the Royal Botanic Gardens by the Balnaves Foundation.

Botanic Gardens Trust Executive Director Dr Tim Entwisle said the partnership will see the winning sculptures from 2009 onwards strategically placed within the Gardens and Sydney’s Domain. After a ten year residency beside the harbour some will be moved to the growing sculpture collections in the botanic gardens at Mount Tomah and Mount Annan.

“It’s a fitting tribute to one of Sydney’s most loved art exhibitions to take these pieces from the world renowned Bondi Beach to one of the great Botanic Gardens of the world, looking out over one of the great harbours,” Dr Entwisle said.

“Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens is already home to 37 sculptures, from Italian marbles dating back to 1870 right up to the present with one of Sydney’s biggest ever to be launched next month.

“Sculpture by the Sea has brought art to the community in an unprecedented way. From humble beginnings 14 years ago at least half-a-million people each year now enjoy the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk to view the exhibition. Giving the winners a new life in the Royal Botanic Garden will provide further international and local exposure,” he said.

The 2010 winning sculpture ‘mirroring 1995’ by Danish artist Keld Moseholm will be unveiled today at the opening of ‘Sydney Morning Herald Autumn of the Arts’ and will form part of Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden soon to be launched self-guided sculpture walk. 

Sculpture by the Sea founding Director, David Handley said the most exciting thing for them about the partnership is it will create a major new sculpture collection for Sydney that can be enjoyed all year round.

“The Sculpture by the Sea collection will develop over time with the Balnaves Sculpture prize gifted each year.  In 2010 the prize amount was $60,000 and the Balnaves Foundation has pledged to increase that amount by $5,000 each year,” Mr Handley said.

“It’s wonderful to have the Sculpture by the Sea collection showcased at such a prominent and outstanding location,” he said.

Director of the Balnaves Foundation, Neil Balnaves AO said the foundation has made a long-term commitment to fund the Balnaves sculpture prize at Sculpture by the Sea each year.

“I’m delighted that we have now reached agreement with the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust to see these winning sculptures placed in the Gardens and Domain for the public to enjoy.  There could not be a better location for these sculptures,” Mr Balnaves said.

The 2009 winner, then 91 year old May Barrie from NSW will be at the Autumn of the Arts opening.  Her sculpture ‘time and tide (granite monolith II)’ will also be installed at the Gardens or Domain shortly.

Details:    10am, Tuesday, 1^st February 2011, Lion Gate Lodge then Twin Ponds for unveiling.