HEADING 0UT TO FESTIVAL A SWELL IDEA
SWELL Sculpture Festival is back on the Gold Coast for its 16th year and promises to bring an entirely new art experience.
The festival is all about presenting outdoor art exhibits for everyone to enjoy, and in 2018 brings 45 works from local, national and international artists.
Creative director Ruth Della said the event had become a cultural pillar for the Gold Coast in the more than 15 years since its debut.
“The drawcard for people to return to SWELL each year is to experience an ever-changing display of sculpture and program of events,” she said.
“This year we have curated the exhibition based on quality words to inspire and provoke, we have looked conceptually at what will challenge
and inspire visitors and what will connect the audience to the artist’s mind’s eye.
“It’s this diversity in the types of works selected for the exhibition where visitors can enjoy a breadth of sensory experiences, all while enjoying time with friends and family at the beach.”
The crown jewel this year is “Prickles the Unhuggable Bear”, a gigantic teddy bear created from steel and barbed wire, which took home the top prize and $15,000.
The Walls Art Space artistic director Rebecca Ross, who selected the work, said it stood out to her as matching the sentiment of the festival.
“At first glance, you’re drawn in by the familiar shape of the bear, a shape that evokes childhood memories … the only catch is that Prickles is covered in barbs,” she said.
This is your last chance to check out all the great works at Currumbin Beach before they’re packed away tomorrow. Be sure to head on down and enjoy this free event. WHERE: Today and tomorrow, Currumbin Beach
CONTACT: (07) 5525 0503 TICKETS: Free