Artists compete for inaugural Small Worlds Sculpture Prize

A NEW sculpture prize featuring artists from across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast will debut at Murwillumbah’s M-Arts Precinct this month as part of the LAVA Arts Festival.

The inaugural Small Worlds Sculpture Prize, presented by the Trackways Sculpture Trail Committee, will run from 20 June to 4 July and will feature works by emerging and established artists inspired by the landscapes, stories and environments of the region.

The exhibition explores themes of place, ecology and identity through contemporary sculpture, showcasing a diverse range of artistic approaches and materials.

Trackways Sculpture vice president and webmaster Amelia Batchelor said the exhibition was designed to showcase artists to a wider audience during one of the region’s major arts events.

“The Small Worlds Sculpture Prize is an event specifically designed to highlight opportunities for artists to experiment, collaborate, and bring local stories to life through sculptural form,” Batchelor said.

She said the exhibition was created to give selected artists greater exposure during the LAVA Arts Festival and introduce their work to new audiences.

Batchelor said the prize was founded to celebrate local stories, diverse materials and regional environments.

“Our founding vision was aimed at celebrating local stories, diverse materials, and regional environments,” she said.

She said hosting the exhibition at M-Arts Precinct would help connect artists with the broader community.

 

Batchelor, who is also exhibiting work in the exhibition, said she had enjoyed helping to bring the event together.

“Creating art events and working with artists is definitely a large part of my arts practice,” she said.

“Four of our five committee members are sculpture artists and will be exhibiting our own works but will not be eligible for prize selection.

“I am particularly excited to bring something unique to the table.”

An opening night event will be held at M-Arts Precinct on 19 June at 6pm, where judge Samantha Collyer-Moss will announce the winner of the $2,500 Small Worlds Sculpture Prize.

The prize is sponsored by Richard Roberts.

Additional awards include a runners-up prize featuring a professional photography package, a mentoring prize for an emerging sculptor from Brunswick Nature Sculpture Walk, a People’s Choice Award sponsored by Better By Bike, and an Artists’ Choice Award supported by the Six and Four Wine Store.

A digital catalogue featuring artist statements and insights into the creative process will accompany the exhibition.

The Small Worlds Sculpture Prize exhibition will be held at M-Arts Precinct from 20 June to 4 July. Admission is free.