Exploring possibilities for a COVID-Safe Sculpture by the Sea

27 September 2020

Waverley Council and Sculpture by the Sea are reviewing options for the 2020 exhibition including staging the event later this year or early next year.

Due to the current Public Health Orders limiting mass outdoor gatherings, the 2020 event will not be going ahead as planned on 22 October to 8 November in Bondi and Tamarama.

Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos said the community’s safety is the highest priority for Council and Sculpture by the Sea when reviewing options for the world-class sculpture exhibition.

“Sculpture by the Sea is working closely with Council on options for an exhibition that ensures safe attendance,” Mayor Masselos said.

“Council manages its outdoor public places including its parks and the Bondi to Tamarama Coastal Walk in line with current Public Health Orders and the latest health advice, so this will be a determining factor when reviewing potential dates for the 2020 exhibition.

Mayor Masselos pictured in 2019 with Victorian artist Jimmy Rix's sculpture Waiting for Rain, announced as the recipient of the $5000 Mayor's Prize for Sculpture by the Sea 2019. 

“This is not going to be a normal spring and summer and that is why we are continuing to ask people to follow the current Public Health Orders and to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres in our public places at all times.

“Our main priority is for people to use our outdoor areas safely and to work together to reduce community transmission of COVID-19.

“The pandemic has changed the world forever but we are very much looking forward to the next Sculpture by the Sea exhibition in whatever form it needs to take to ensure safe attendance.

"I really appreciate and applaud the effort and dedication that the artists have put into creating works for the exhibition during these difficult and challenging times.

“In April this year, our Council was pleased to announce that Sculpture by Sea had signed a license agreement with the Council to remain in our area. The license agreement is for a five-year term with an option of a further five years for the Sculpture by the Sea event commencing this year.”

Sculpture by the Sea Founding Director of Sculpture by the Sea, David Handley AM, said more than 100 Australian and international artists have collectively spent around $1.5-$1.8 million to create and freight their artworks from around the world.

“So it was very important to wait and see if there was any chance we could proceed with this year’s exhibition as planned,” Mr Handley said.

“Now, like everyone, we are waiting to see what might be possible, being mindful that everyone’s health comes first.”

-ENDS-

Media inquiries

Waverley Council: media@waverley.nsw.gov.au or 0416 075 532.

Sculpture by the Sea: NIXCo / Harriet Dixon-Smith, harriet@nixco.com.au or 8399 0626.