Australasia’s best sculpture competition – to be hosted in Wanganui! - 14/09/2010Wanganui’s inaugural sculpture event begins its public life on Saturday, when four sculptures will be on view for the next two weeks.
The unique sculptures by artists Mikel Durel (with Max Cody and Kerry McDonnell), Daniel Clifford, Paul Dibble and Matt Pine were chosen from 12 original entries and will form a temporary sculpture park on the banks of the Whanganui River.
Concrete plinths have been built on the riverbank area between Dublin Street Bridge and Plymouth Street to support the sculptures which range in size from two to four metres. The sculptures will be easily viewed from the road, the riverfront walkway, Dublin Street Bridge and even Kowhai Park.
“Sculpture Wanganui is a fantastic new event for our city and demonstrates the commitment of council to supporting arts events that will engage our community and will attract both nationwide and international interest,” says Cr Nicki Higgie, spokesperson for the arts.
“All the artists have national reputations and some international. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors to our city to see works of this calibre collected together in one place.”
Sculpture Wanganui 2010 will be officially opened at a private event on Friday, September 17, at the Sarjeant Gallery, to acknowledge the artists.
Between September 18 to September 25 the Wanganui community are encouraged to vote for their favourite sculpture to receive a “People’s Choice” award. Voting forms will be available from Wanganui Veterinary Services at 35 Somme Parade, the Sarjeant Gallery and from council’s Municipal Building at 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.
The “People’s Choice” winner will receive $25,000, provided by the Powerco Wanganui Trust, which will be presented at an awards ceremony at the Sarjeant Gallery on
September 25.
A first prize of $50,000 will also be awarded to one of the artists by invited judge Rob Garrett. The prize-winning work will be permanently sited in the area between the City Bridge and the Waimarie moorings.
“Sculpture Wanganui has been created to become one of the leading sculpture competitions in Australasia. The importance of events such as this cannot be overlooked, in terms of both economic and cultural benefit to our city.
“Over time Wanganui will develop a significant body of sculptural works which will further enhance our riverfront area.”
The Sculpture Wanganui 2010 event runs until October 4. | 
