Sculptor sought for Morrison’s bust

ARTISTS are being invited to apply to sculpt the next bust for the Prime Minister’s Avenue in the Ballarat Botanic Gardens.

The 30th Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison, is next in line to have a sculpture made, with an expression of interest for artists now open.

Currently the Prime Ministers Avenue contains 29 bronze sculptures displayed on polished granite pedestals.

The latest artwork, which was of Malcolm Turnbull, was unveiled at the end of last year.

“The Prime Ministers Avenue is an absolute treasure of Ballarat and we know so many people understand its historical significance,” said City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson.

“We’d love to attract a nationally recognised artist to make the next contribution along the Avenue.”

A substantial donation to go towards the avenue has also been received and was made by resident B.R. Carlson.

The funds will go towards the next four busts and is the first donation since the original donor, Richard Crouch.

“To be in receipt of such a donation is unbelievably generous and we can’t thank the benefactor and the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Foundation enough,” said Cr Hudson.

“It’s reassuring to know the future is bright for the Avenue.”

The Prime Ministers Avenue was first opened in 1940 by Sir Winston Duggan with six busts initially unveiled.

The sculptures are part of the City of Ballarat’s public art collection which is worth more than $20 million.

Applications can be via email at [email protected] and more information can be found at the Creative Ballarat website.

Expressions of interest close Friday 29 September.