The Batemans Bay Tourism and Business Chamber, in partnership with Willinga Park, proudly presents Sculpture on Clyde, an event featuring famous and local sculptors’ creations on the beautiful South Coast of NSW. It is a nine day art festival celebrating imagination in 3D.
The outdoor sculptures will be exhibited within the stunning botanic gardens of Willinga Park, alongside the impressive permanent sculpture collection at the venue. The indoor sculptures will be displayed in the heritage Francis Guy building @ 5 Clyde Street in Batemans Bay.
Rich in history, the expansive waterway at the mouth of the Clyde River was named by Lieutenant James Cook on his voyage of discovery along this coast in 1770. However, it wasn’t until well into the 19th century that the township of Batemans Bay appeared. The Bay is now renowned for its fabulous estuary location, hospitality and charm, and unspoiled natural environment. Willinga Park is an Award Winning, multi discipline equestrian centre that offers a fitting combination of gardens and a large private sculpture collection to view. Many significant and talented artists have chosen to reside on the South Coast, the number far exceeding the national average, so a sculpture event was a natural choice for this area. In running this event, the Business Chamber is aiming to make Batemans Bay a sculpture destination, putting the town, on the National Sculpture Trail, thereby increasing visitor numbers to the region, at a time of year that it is traditionally quiet. August and September are beautiful months on the South Coast, and it has so much to offer visitors, including the famous Clyde River Oysters. The inaugural event in 2017, far exceeded all expectations. To encourage a standard of excellence from sculptors nationally and internationally, the acquisitive prize money has increased to $50,000. A world class Sculpture Trail is in the making……. This year Willinga Park event will compliment the Sculpture on Clyde event with the many permanent sculptures in its outdoor collection and the stunning botanic gardens for you to get lost in.
Above: The grasses area where the sculpture ‘Buoyansea’ is positioned is called Mena Point. The Walbanga people still see her spirit there today, as Mena loved to fish from this point – perfect positioning for the start of the sculpture trail.
NOTE: The equestrian facilities at Willinga Park will NOT be open to the public during this event. Willinga Park love dogs but unfortunately they’re not allowed at this event, sorry. The two event venues will be linked by a bus shuttle service week days and weekend. BYO picnics are welcome!
