SWELL Sculpture Festival 2024: 100 sculptures along Currumbin Beach

Scheduled from 11 to 20 September 2024, the SWELL Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast will feature 100 sculptures displayed along the coastline from Currumbin to Tugun. Established in 2003 by Dr. Natasha Edwards, this not-for-profit organization has evolved from a local arts project into a globally recognized venue for contemporary sculpture. Edwards views public art as 'essential cultural infrastructure' that fosters communal experiences. The festival will also host pop-up exhibitions throughout the Gold Coast and the SWELL Smalls Gallery, dedicated to smaller artworks. Year-round initiatives include family events, educational workshops for students from Prep to Year 12, wellness programs, and support for First Nations artists. Programs like GROUNDSWELL promote sustainable artistic careers, while international collaborations, such as the Artist in Residence program at the Avalon Arts Precinct in Berlin, allow Australian artists to gain international experience. Edwards highlights the importance of cultural projects in delivering enduring value beyond the exhibition itself.