Sculptures by the Sea: Central Coast the ‘perfect destination’
The Central Coast is the ideal location to host Sculptures by the Sea, according to Mayor Jane Smith.
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The Central Coast is the ideal location to host Sculptures by the Sea, according to Mayor Jane Smith.
Less than a week after organisers of the iconic event revealed they could be forced to leave Bondi, Cr Smith is waving the flag for the Central Coast.
She is keen to hear what the community thinks about hosting the event, along with the best locations for artwork along the coastline.
“The Central Coast is the perfect destination for such world-class events, such as Sculptures by the Sea,” Cr Smith said.
This comes after organisers of Sculptures by the Sea last week revealed it was on the hunt for a new location for the annual event next year.
Founding director of Sculpture by the Sea David Handley accused Waverley Council of failing to support the event which has been running for the past 23 years, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world.
The council is constructing a 279m concrete footpath around Marks Park that organisers say will destroy the exhibition.
“I can’t see the exhibition happening again if this path is built as planned,” Mr Handley said.
“By taking eight to 10 prime sites for Sculpture by the Sea, you’re ripping the guts out of the exhibition.
“It is too late to cancel for 2019, although nine sculptures will no longer be able to be exhibited and 12 will be greatly compromised.”
The issue is set to come before the Central Coast Council meeting next Monday, with councillor Jeff Sundstrom calling for council to contact the organisers and investigate suitable locations across the coast.
The iconic event has brought around 450,000 visitors and $11 million into the Waverley area each year.
Cr Smith said the event would be a great opportunity for the coast.
“We love our thriving arts scene and artists and our coastline and natural environment is quite simply a stunning backdrop, for exhibitions,” she said.
“It will bring lots of visitors to the area and give us a chance to show off the Central Coast.
“Plus, we can guarantee that warm coastie welcome for visitors.”
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