The sculpture festival held in one of the most beautiful locations on Earth returns this week.
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Re-named this year as Sculpture Bermagui, what was formerly called Sculpture on the Edge will run in the seaside town from March 3-13.
There will be 102 artworks installed – more than last year’s event – both large and small on the town’s headland and community centre.
“The entries are diverse, they are from both experienced and novice artists,” Sculpture Bermagui president Paul Payten said.
“The Indigenous connection is really one of the most exciting elements this year.”
He said Djiringanj man Gary Campbell will be making an installation on the headland, holding a smoking fire and sharing stories. Yuin elders will be telling stories at the headland on March 4 from 6.30pm.
Also, John Blay, Amanda Stuart and sound artist Jane Ulman will make a collaborative work about King Billy.
An important part of the festival will take place at the official opening at 6pm March 3 at the Bermagui Community Centre, where there will be a commemoration to local sculptor Peter “Beatle” Collins, including speeches by people who knew him and his work.
On March 4 and 8, you can join in torchlight tours of the headland from 8pm, then artists will have conversations by starlight on March 10 from 8pm.
Mr Payten said another highlight this year was the addition of music, with a Stonewave Taiko performance on March 11 at 8.45pm and The String Contingent’s performance of an original composition interpreting sculptures at the closing ceremony from 6pm on March 12.
The closing ceremony will take place at the headland and includes a picnic as well as fire sculptures.
Some of the highlights from the artists, who are coming from around NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, include pieces by Bek Selleck and Barak Zelig.
The sculptures will still be up during the Bermagui Seaside Fair on March 11, for those who want to take a break from the market stalls and entertainment for a walk around the town’s headland.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mr Payten said the organising of the festival had gone smoothly and he was looking forward to the opening.
“I’m really enjoying working with this team,” he said.
“If we do have a glitch it’s small and we work through it.”
He also has plans for the future, saying he hopes Sculpture Bermagui will become a festival artists make original work for.