Lorne to become artists’ playground in November

ORGANISERS have announced the date of next year’s Lorne Sculpture Biennale with an influx of artists expressing interest.

New biennale curator Simon Lawrie says excitement is brewing for next year’s return of the biennial exhibition, which will take over Lorne’s townscape from November 2-30 across 16 precincts.

“This year’s theme will follow the idea of ‘Strata’, inspired by the iconic geology of Gadubanud Country and the stratified landscape of the Great Ocean Road,” Mr Lawrie said.

“The theme also serves as an analogy for the fact that one place is many places, layered both physically and experientially through time, culture, and the subjectivity of humans and other forms of life.

“We’ve also had a large amount of interest from artists, receiving more than 80 submissions to be a part of the 2024 Biennale.”

Chosen sculptures at the eighth iteration of the Lorne Sculpture Biennale will encompass sonic art, architectural environments, ephemeral installations, and landscape interventions, all capable of eliciting impactful experiences of place.

The official launch of the Lorne Sculpture Biennale will take place in Lorne on January 20 at Qdos Fine Arts gallery, featuring a live art auction, entertainment, and catering.

“The launch is really an opportunity to reconnect with exhibit’s support base and its supporters in previous years,” Mr Lawrie said.

“The president of the committee Andrew Stobart and myself will conduct the evening to discuss plans for this year’s Biennale and give the outline of what artists will be doing for the event.

“It’s also a chance to fundraise for the exhibition, because we’re a registered charity with deductible gift recipient status, we need the support individuals, organisations and funding bodies to continue making this event a huge success.”

Mr Lawrie, a former curator of the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery with experience curating the National Gallery of Victoria said he is excited to take on the new role.

“It’s shaping up to a great event and it’s an exhibition that has a lot of great history too.

“There’s been so many amazing artists in the past and we have more still to feature next year.

“Couple that with the beautiful and enchanting landscape and my background of outdoor art exhibition on the Mornington Peninsula, I’m super excited for what 2024 has in store for the Surf Coast.”

For more on the Lorne Sculpture Biennale’s official launch, head to lornesculpture.com