Sculpture For Clyde has opened to huge crowds and delighted reactions from visitors to the Batemans Bay Foreshore over the past four days. The hallmark event, which continues until Sunday, June 4, is an exhibition of 114 indoor, outdoor and student sculptures displayed along the recently re-vamped Clyde River in the heart of Batemans Bay.
The town was pumping with locals and visitors all weekend and a steady stream continued into the early week – all very impressed with the works on display. Cafes, restaurants and bars came alive over the weekend as people poured into the event.
“Visitor numbers have already exceeded our expectations,” said organiser David Maclachlan.
“And we hope more people come to enjoy the spectacle of high quality artworks until we close on Sunday.”
“The foreshore marquee has more than doubled previous visitation to the Student and Indoor Exhibitions thanks to a NSW Government Regional Events funding grant which assisted with the purchase.
“People have already purchased some of the unique pieces of art – we don’t allow editions – and we encourage more art-loving buyers to come and have a look this week, and weekend,” said Mr Maclachlan.
The winner of the 2023 Sculpture For Clyde is Richard Moffat’s ‘Weed’, It can be viewed this week on the Clyde foreshore alongside other entrants before being added to the Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk at a location yet to be confirmed.
Congratulations to the 2023 Acquisitive Award winner - 'Weed' by Richard Moffatt will join the permanent sculptures on Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk. Photos: Sculpture For Clyde
Other awards went to Senden Blackwood for ‘Portmanteau’, James Bunter for ‘Bubble Rock’, Wil Edwards-Franchimon for ‘Release’.
The winner of the 2023 Student Sculpture prize was a collaboration from Carroll College titled ‘Identity Totem Poles’ which are on display in the marquee.
The organisers of Sculpture For Clyde stated their gratitude that local businesses, in big numbers, supported the event in such a generous way, providing close to $90,000 in sponsorship for prize money, which attracts the best artists from around the country.
“The event could not run without the volunteers who pull it together and then provide services to visitors,” said Mr Maclachlan.
“This is truly a community event and it operates on so many levels. It provides entertainment and spectacle, it supports business in the shoulder season, it supports artists in their work, it promotes our spectacular environment and gives us the legacy of a free, outdoor, accessible sculpture walk to be enjoyed at any time by anyone.”
