Sculpture biennale to rise again with grant

THE Lorne Sculpture Biennale (LSB) is among three arts organisations across the region to share in more than $1 million under the fourth batch of grants from the Morrison Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund.

The biennale has received $131,910 for the festival, which will return to the Lorne foreshore after a three-year hiatus.

Titled “Spirit of Place”, this year’s LSB will explore the deep connections to nature, history and community.

Held on traditional Gadubanud land, the works will explore the deeper histories of Lorne by taking a deep dive into Lorne’s diverse and fascinating past.

Featuring 16 themed precincts from Point Gray in the south to the mouth of the Swing Bridge over the Erskine River in the north, the invited artists have been hand-selected by curator Graeme Wilkie.

This year’s Lorne Sculpture Biennale will feature a range of styles including performance art, soundscapes, interactive and kinetic displays, all with sculpture at its heart.

Spirit of Place will be at the heart of a program that will see other supporting cultural events including workshops, performances, film events and sculpture trail tours.

Artists and writers can also participate in prize events long associated with the Biennale: the Ken Scarlett Award for arts writing and the SculptureSCAPE ephemeral art prize.

“We’re delighted to welcome back the Lorne Sculpture Biennale this year after last year’s cancellation,” Mr Wilkie said.

“This year’s theme – Spirit of Place – promises to bring us back to the heart of Lorne, its rich history and strong sense of community.

“A celebration of Lorne’s unique environment and cultural past, the Lorne Sculpture Biennale will highlight the individual and diverse styles of our 16 artists, via a world-class cultural event in a beautiful and unique setting.

“There is something for everyone at the Biennale and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to Lorne.”

The Museum of Play and Art also received a grant through the RISE Fund, as did the Meredith Music Festival and Golden Plains Music Festival.

Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson said the funding would provide critical support for local arts organisations and assist local communities and economies to restart from the pandemic.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the latest $40 million in funding was especially important during such a difficult period for the sector.

“Demand for RISE funding has been significant since it opened last year,” he said.

The latest funding will be allocated immediately to create more than 56,000 employment opportunities across the country.

“Our commitment to these organisations will play an important part in rebuilding our local arts and entertainment sectors, and will assist in the long-term sustainability of cultural and creative organisations,” Mr Fletcher said.