Artists from all over Australia have until 11 November to apply for the 2025 Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong exhibition, with more than $40,000 in prizes on offer.
The fifth iteration of the biennial event will again see the awarding of a $30,000 Acquisitive Prize but will also feature a maiden $10,000 Ephemeral Prize for site-specific works using non-permanent materials.
Successful applicants receive $1500 towards their costs of featuring work in the exhibition that opens at Wollongong Botanic Garden on 1 April 2025. The four-week run attracted more than 40,000 visitors in 2023.
The exhibition showcases the work of artists living in Australia and encourages them to respond to the Wollongong Botanic Garden's rich biodiversity and collections, while allowing people to engage with artwork outside traditional museum or gallery settings.
The four-week exhibition period also offers a host of free, open-to-the-community events including workshops, artist walk and talks, buggy tours and after dark adventures as part of Wollongong Council's commitment to engaging diverse communities through art.
Council's aligned arts and cultural programs have this year seen more than 1000 people of all ages and abilities take part in creative, expressive activities, with SITGW allowing visitors to engage with concepts around conservation and appreciate and value our natural environment.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong was an opportunity for people to engage with both nature and art in the one location.
"Our beautiful Botanic Garden is already a must-see for both visitors and people who call Wollongong home, and the Sculpture in the Garden Wollongong exhibition only enhances the experience," Cr Brown said.
"It is an opportunity to interact with a beautiful natural environment and witness how it inspires the work of the many talented artists who contribute to the exhibition.
"It's part of our commitment to ensuring our public spaces are engaging and appealing places to be, while providing the opportunity for as many people as possible to experience the joy of art and creativity as part of their everyday life.
"It's something I can't wait to experience myself when the exhibition arrives at the Botanic Garden next April."
