Currumbin’s iconic beachside SWELL Sculpture Festival is hosting a new multidisciplinary national art exhibition in Broadbeach, with an impressive line-up of artists presenting new works.
The indoor exhibition of over 50 artworks, created by emerging, mid-career and professional artists from across the country, will be held 2 – 17 March in the Broadbeach Community Space, opposite Pacific Fair within the Broadbeach Cultural Precinct.
SWELL Sculpture Festival Co-founder and Artistic Director, Natasha Edwards says the SWELL Smalls Art Prize emerged out of the overwhelming popularity of the annual SWELL Smalls Gallery that runs alongside the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival.
“We are bringing the outdoors in for a fresh change,” says Ms Edwards. “This indicates a significant expansion for SWELL, reaching beyond our primary outdoor sculpture event.”
“This contemporary collection of works spans genres and artforms, styles of practice and materiality. It comes together as a stunning showcase, featuring a diverse range of artists, from local talents to nationally recognised award-winners.”
“We have listened to the enthusiastic requests from our artists and patrons for alternative exhibition spaces that include our popular public art programming stands as a testament to the triumph of our signature SWELL event. This initiative also affords our artists an opportunity to reignite connections.”
“We are dedicated to inspiring and supporting the profound impact art brings to our community. It’s a moment to celebrate our identity and the values we stand for.”
“The exhibition is a not to be missed – with both local grassroots and nationally-acclaimed award-winning artists exhibiting side by side,” says Ms Edwards.
SWELL Sculpture Festival Executive Director Dee Steinfort says the SWELL Smalls Art Prize offers something for everyone.
“We’re showcasing a collection of sculptures created from a wide range of materials including cast bronze, porcelain, stainless steel, thermoplastics, wool, found industrial shrink wrap, blown glass, aluminium, limestone, iron, brass, concrete, pencils, paint and more,” said Ms Steinfort.
“The SWELL Smalls Art Prize is a people’s choice award with a cash prize that will go to the artwork and artist as voted for by the people who visit the exhibition.”
“The program also includes live music, workshops, masterclasses and a still life drawing experience. Artworks are available for sale, so you can take home a masterpiece,” said Ms Steinfort.
The SWELL Smalls Art Prize features 29 Queensland artists, 24 New South Wales artists, 5 Victorian Artists, 1 from Western Australia, and Brigid Vidler from the United Kingdom. There are 13 Gold Coast artists and 17 from the Northern Rivers.
The SWELL Smalls Art Prize takes place at the Broadbeach Community Space from 2 – 17 March 2024. For more information, visit: www.swellsculpture.com.au for details.
Image: Yanni Van Zijl, Twisted Infinity I, II, III – photo by Leximagery