AN UNMISSABLE SPRING WITH SWELL

The SWELL Sculpture Festival will be celebrating its 19th year with another exhibition enchanting the shores of Currumbin Beach, Queensland.

The festival is Queensland’s leading outdoor sculpture exhibition that presents 145 local and international artist’s best creations, delighting visitors and residents alike. The 10-day event will take place between September 10-19, bringing together the community again after the devastating events following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Many artists relied on their creative projects and prospects over the lockdowns, so many have high expectations for what they have lined up. The exhibition features sculptures of all sizes but includes performances, digital works, and interactive installations. It’s also free to all members of the public!

The works are inspired by fun, interaction, and community but also captivate audiences with commentary about society including the issues we face and new ways of thinking. Families can enjoy a range of workshops catered to both children and adults, and the SWELL Kids Elements that feature first nations storytelling. Overall, the festival hopes that the community will enjoy the event but also come away with new thoughts, use of imagination, and new ideologies.

“Visitors are also encouraged to engage with sculptural works that tell stories and make statements concerning the past, present and future – inspiring ideas and commentary while challenging and stimulating the imagination. To allow wonderment, critique and a full range of opinions – evoking conversations between strangers, friends and family – the festival is a feast for the senses,” noted SWELL’s Executive Director, Dee Steinfort.

The festival is a large part of cultural representation on the Gold Coast. It encourages works from international artists, which bring new ideas to the region, but places an equal emphasis on the community and bringing together unique local narratives and history.

“Visitors are also encouraged to engage with sculptural works that tell stories and make statements concerning the past, present and future – inspiring ideas and commentary while challenging and stimulating the imagination. To allow wonderment, critique and a full range of opinions – evoking conversations between strangers, friends and family – the festival is a feast for the senses, says Steinfort.

Some notable local entrants from QLD are Hooman Jaffar along with his team, Taylah Jardine and Owen Thompson are entering for their third year with the theme of time. The trio is responsible for one winning entry and their entries; #lifetree and #lifebridge, and are industry heavyweights to watch after working on the Westfield Shopping Centres and modern dining spaces across Sydney. 

Stay up to date with the event online, and check out some of the event's past entries!