QUEANBEYAN City Council has put the wheels in motion for the town's very first outdoor exhibition with the launch of the inaugural Clearwater Sculpture Prize.
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Queanbeyan River foreshore will provide the perfect stage with the public artworks dotted along the riverfront for three days for locals to admire and enjoy.
The Clearwater Sculpture Prize is just one part of the Council’s newly launched Queanbeyan River Festival (formerly Queanbeyan Regatta) to be held in October 2014.
Queanbeyan City Council cultural development officer Georgina Perri said entrants are encouraged to take inspiration from the river and surrounds.
The Clearwater Sculpture Prize welcomes entries from artists of all abilities – from first time sculptors, to professional and experienced practitioners. Mrs Perri also encouraged collaborative works from schools and other community organisations.
“Having the public artworks along the Queanbeyan River makes art more accessible. In a way, it’s not as confronting for some people. It’s not in a gallery so you can easily take your kids or dog for a walk down to the River and enjoy the sculptures,” Mrs Perri said.
“The concept for the event centres on creating community awareness and engagement with the river, while the promoting the river and surrounds as a recreational space.”
The non-acquisitive Prize consists of a major award of $3,000, and a $1,000 Re-Use Award sponsored by South East Resource Recovery Group (SERRG), complemented by a handful of smaller awards.
SERRG co-ordinator Geoff Pryor is looking forward to the weird and wonderful entries that will be in contention for the Re-Use Award.
“This is about getting people to look at solutions around waste streams like litter, food scrapes, tyres and old batteries and see what they else they can do to reuse and recycle,” he said.
“It’s encouraging people, especially young people, to harness their inventiveness.”
Application forms for the Clearwater Sculpture Prize must be submitted before September 5. They are available from The Q, Queanbeyan City Library or at www.qcc.nsw.gov.au. For more information please call Georgina Perri on 6285 6170 or email culturalservices@qcc.nsw.gov.au.