SWELL Sculpture Festival is inviting submissions from artists, art collectives and collaborators to exhibit in the 23rd annual show set along Currumbin Beach, Queensland.
SWELL is Queensland’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition presenting over 60 works by national and international artists, captivating the hearts and minds of a large and diverse audience. Set along the 1km stretch, between two spectacular rock formations at Gold Coast’s Currumbin Beach, the vast coastal landscape encourages submissions of thought-provoking and sculpturally impressive works.
SWELL is a 10-day manifestation of conceptions and visual commentary, and presents small, medium and large-scale sculpture, installations, and digital works as a FREE outdoor gallery at Currumbin Beach, September 12 – 21 September 2025.
Artists from across Australia and the world working in all mediums are invited to submit. SWELL embraces those eager to push the boundaries of sculpture presentation and installation art. Works can be site-specific, display ephemeral qualities and invite dialogue and instigate inspiring conversations. The invitation is open to established professional, mid-career visionary, or emerging talent.
Natasha Edwards, co-founder and artistic director of SWELL Sculpture Festival, invites sculptors worldwide to apply for the 2025 festival. “For over two decades, we have transformed Currumbin Beach into a captivating outdoor gallery,” said Ms Edwards.
“Our fabulous program of events supports the ever-growing public art exhibitions across the City of Gold Coast, showcasing the awe-inspiring power of sculpture to evoke emotion, challenge perceptions, and inspire change.”
“Are you a sculptor with a message that needs to be seen and felt? SWELL Sculpture Festival invites you to bring your vision to life on Currumbin Beach, where your work can inspire, provoke thought, and spark meaningful conversations.”
“We support your creative ambition to engage with a captivated audience eager for connection and dialogue. Join us, and let your sculpture make waves, igniting change and enriching our community. With the support of our dedicated partners, we champion the arts together, enriching our community and transforming lives through creativity,” said Ms Edwards.
Artists will vie for awards totalling $30k with the coveted major award presented by The Neumann Family SWELL Sculpture Award $15k and the Highly Commended Neumann Family Award $5k.
In addition to the awards, SWELL offers artists opportunities such as artist honorarium fees, media profiles, logistic support and the chance to establish new industry contacts, professional development, and the potential to sell and commission works.
Dee Steinfort, executive director, SWELL Sculpture Festival says the team are thrilled to be connecting people, art and place. “We invite artists who work in all sculptural mediums to apply to exhibit in the spectacular showcase that is the symphony of SWELL,” said Ms Steinfort.
“Our invitation to artists is, if you have an idea, a completed work or anywhere in between, jump online and complete the application form. There are prompts to assist you along the way, explain your work in as much detail as you can.”
“SWELL engages a curatorial panel to select the works, you may submit more than one application if you wish. All completed applications are considered,” said Ms Steinfort.
Applications to exhibit are now open and close on 31 January 2025. Artists will be advised of their succuss by 28 February 2025.
SWELL Sculpture Festival takes place 12 – 21 September 2025 at Currumbin Beach, Queensland. Pop up exhibitions opening from 1 September 2025 across the City of Gold Coast. For more information and to apply, visit: www.swellsculpture.com.au for details.
Image: Frederick Beel, Time and Space – photo by Room 4 Graphics