Rockingham’s Castaways Sculpture Awards return for 2019
After a year break to accommodate the Rockingham Beach Foreshore Revitalisation works, Rockingham’s premier arts showcase, the Castaways Sculpture Awards, will return in 2019.
The awards will run from Saturday October 26 to Sunday November 3 at the Rockingham Beach Foreshore, with the City of Rockingham promising this year’s showcase to be bigger and better than ever.
Since 2008, Castaways has celebrated artistic innovation and environmental awareness, with the nine-day outdoor exhibition to feature about 50 sculptural works created from re-purposed materials.
This year’s Castaways will comprise three simultaneous exhibitions; the main Castaways Sculpture Awards Exhibition and the Schools Exhibition will both be on display at the Rockingham Beach Foreshore.
A new Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition will also be held at the Rockingham Arts Centre, which is just a short stroll from the beach on Kent Street.
Non-acquisitive prizes for the awards have been increased, such as the Alcoa Major Award, which has doubled from $5000 to $10,000 and a new Local Resident Award has been added to the prize pool.
Mayor Barry Sammels said the Castaways Sculpture Awards attracted entries from a wide range of artists.
“Castaways creates opportunities for emerging and professional artists, local businesses and schools to be involved in a large scale community event that promotes sustainability alongside arts and culture,” Mr Sammels said.
“It encompasses a number of concepts and blends them successfully, which in turn attracts thousands of visitors to the Rockingham Beach Foreshore.”
Up to three artists will be selected for mentoring by curator Lyn Diciero in the lead up to the show, building capacity among emerging artists.
Ms DiCiero said the 2019 event would be unmissable.
“This is a stunning return for Castaways in 2019 and I encourage professional and emerging artists to submit entries and be part of this fantastic event,” she said.
Entries for Castaways open on Monday February 4 and close Monday June 3. Entry forms will be available on the City’s website from February 4.
Entry forms for the Maquette and Small Sculpture Exhibition will be available from July 8.
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