Currumbin Foreshore has once again been transformed into an incredible outdoor gallery complete with more than 70 awe-inspiring works of art for the 20th annual SWELL Sculpture Festival, which will kick off this Friday 9th September.
To celebrate 20 years, the free family-friendly exhibition will host a list of exciting new events including a beachside SWELL Fringe Festival, which will be held alongside the main sculpture exhibition.
SWELL Sculpture Festival artistic director and founder Natasha Edwards said the exhibition has a history of launching the careers of hundreds of now world-renowned artists and nurturing the community’s grassroots emerging artists.
“SWELL’s legacy for advocating and supporting the arts on the Gold Coast, connecting People Art and Place is something we are all very proud of,” said Ms Edwards.
“Many Artists we see today are the next generation SWELL; they have had the incredible opportunity to grow up surrounded by art in the natural setting and draw inspiration from the festival – the Arts has played a big part in their life.
“It’s extraordinary to see them now participating in the festival and emerging with fresh and creative installations inspired by other Artists and what they have experienced on this beach,” she said.
SWELL Sculpture Festival Executive Director Dee Steinfort said for many people the festival has been a beacon of light during COVID, especially with so many events unable to go ahead.
“We’re seeing a renewed importance placed on arts and culture– which has flourished during the past few years with the pandemic,” she said.
“This is also reflected in the calibre of applications we have received – there are going to be some great pieces this year.
“We’ve got 70 artworks, we’ve got our international artists back, interstate, interactive artworks for everyone to enjoy.
“Come on down, we are family-friendly, and we’re really looking forward to sharing SWELL with you,” she said.
In addition to the large-scale display, there will be pop-up exhibitions across the Gold Coast including; Easterly SWELL at Chevron Island, Industrial SWELL at The Boat works, Coomera, and Northerly SWELL at Helensvale.
There’ll also be a range of unique experiences for the kids and for the whole family, including guided twilight artwork walkthroughs, live music, comedy, masterclasses, artist talks, and artist led workshops next to the sculptures.
SWELL Sculpture Festival kicks off from Friday 9th to Sunday 18th September 2022.
For more information on SWELL Sculpture Festival visit: swellsculpture.com.au
