Sculptor Ingrid Morley and partner Brian Sinclair in front of her award-winning Sculpture for Clyde work, The Past is Just Behind. Photo: Supplied.
A much-loved arts festival is making its return to the NSW South Coast after last year’s event was cancelled due to funding concerns.
But after securing new funding, Sculpture for Clyde organiser David Maclachlan said their plans for 2026 were “full steam ahead”
The 2026 event will be held from 30 May to 7 June at the Batemans Bay foreshore, featuring outdoor, indoor, and student sculpture exhibitions, as well as various prizes.
The Sculpture for Clyde festival started in 2017 to draw visitors to Batemans Bay during the tourism off-season.
“That was a while ago, and things have changed. In those years, we’ve had COVID; people’s habits have changed,” Mr Maclachlan said.
“We’re still a seasonal area, as far as visitation goes.”
The festival has drawn local and international artists, with Acquisitive Prize winners remaining in Batemans Bay as part of its Sculpture Walk.
“We, in particular, encourage locals to do it, and emerging artists,” Mr Maclachlan said.
Prize winners will share in more than $70,000 across several categories, including the $50,000 Acquisitive Prize.
“This time, we’ve increased the number of prizes just to make it potentially equitable for sculptors to get something out of coming to the event.”
The Acquisitive Prize had previously been increased from $60,000 to $100,000 for the 2024 event.
Mr Maclachlan said that the increase meant organisers felt they “missed out” on entries in “that in-between area”.
“I think we’re going to get more outdoor sculptures in a more moderate price range … because people can buy the sculptures,” he said.
Mr Maclachlan said the “fortuitous” date meant organisers were looking to benefit from people holidaying on the coast over the June long weekend, as well as locals.
He also said organisers were hoping Canberrans would visit coastal NSW for Reconciliation Day (which will fall on 1 June in 2026).
“It’s a leading winter event down here. It’s great for the area, going into winter, to have those sort of visitor numbers.
“It’s a chance to come and see the Bay … There’s a lot of natural beauty that people can enjoy – that’s why we run it in the middle of the town.”
Entries for 2026 are now open. Further information is expected to be released closer to the 2026 event.
People can visit Sculpture for Clyde’s Facebook page or event website for updates or entry information.
