BREAKING: The annual Sculpture by the Sea event has just unveiled almost 100 outdoor artworks as its founder, David Handley, urgently calls for a significant overhaul of government support to keep the renowned exhibition afloat. Launching at Sydney’s Tamarama on September 29, 2023, the event is promoted as the largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition in the world and is expected to draw around 450,000 attendees along the iconic Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.
With financial concerns mounting, Handley revealed that the organization needs an additional $200,000 to ensure the 2025 event can proceed. “There’s a lot of artists in this exhibition that are very disappointed with the funding of Sculpture by the Sea and the funding of sculpture,” he stated, emphasizing the critical need for a dedicated stream of government funding for arts initiatives.
Local independent MP Allegra Spender echoed Handley’s sentiments, urging government officials to reassess their funding priorities. “I urge the government and Creative Australia to look at the reasons that have prevented them from sponsoring places like Sculpture by the Sea,” she said during the exhibition’s launch, highlighting the event’s merit and popularity.
Despite a public outcry, the organization’s application to Creative Australia for funding was rejected, landing in the bottom third of submissions. Handley expressed frustration, claiming that the funding body has been “totally indifferent” to the exhibition’s survival. However, Creative Australia counters that the organization has not applied for recent funding opportunities, which are open and competitive.
In positive news, support from the NSW government has ensured that participating artists will receive a minimum of $4,000 each for construction, freight, and installation costs. Over 100 volunteers are also stepping up to help run the event, showcasing community spirit amid challenges.
Adding to the drama, the event is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with its lead installer. A Fair Work Commission case has been initiated by installer Yuri Humeniuk, who claims unfair dismissal after suffering serious facial injuries at the organization’s Kingswood storage depot in 2024. Humeniuk alleges he was fired after raising concerns about safety. However, Sculpture by the Sea argues that Humeniuk was a casual employee and not entitled to ongoing work. Handley defended the organization’s safety record, noting that this incident marks the first injury in the exhibition’s nearly 30-year history.
As the exhibition continues, all eyes will be on how the funding crisis unfolds and what actions the government will take to support one of Australia’s most beloved cultural events. The urgency for a solution is clear, as artists and supporters rally to safeguard the future of Sculpture by the Sea.
