New date for Spirit of Place

LORNE’S foreshore will stay bare of large-scale sculptures a little longer than anticipated with the uncertainty of COVID-19 and restrictions forcing organisers to reschedule the event.

Originally planned for November, the Lorne Sculpture Biennale will take place from March 12 to April 3, 2022.

The committee said uncertainty created by disruptions surrounding ongoing and changing health advice because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the potential limitation of visitors to Lorne, left them no option but to confirm the postponement.

The 16 artists featured in the festival have recommitted to the new date and will showcase work in the themed Spirit of Place event, which explores connections to nature, history and community through sculpture, performance and conversations.

Showcased on traditional Gadubanud land, the works will also explore the deeper histories of Lorne.

“Given the challenges of the past 18 months for the arts sector and the greater community, we were hoping that our event would provide a welcome light at the end of the tunnel for our artists and audience,” founder and curator Graeme Wilkie OAM said.

“However, we feel that the risk posed to our ability to run a successful and fully realised event is just too high.

“Postponement was our only option, and we look to the 2022 event with positivity and enthusiasm.”