Celebrating 20 years of Bermagui’s sculpture exhibitions

Richard Moffatt’s sculpture Knot Again was how Jan Ireland tested the water for a sculpture exhibition. Photo: Supplied.

This marks the 20th year visitors and sculptors have been flocking to Bermagui for its acclaimed sculpture exhibition on the headland.

What is now called Sculpture Bermagui started life as Sculpture on the Edge. It was part of the Bermagui Seaside Fair.

Jan Ireland’s grit, passion and years of slog got Sculpture on the Edge up and running.

“I had a huge battle to get it going because everyone on the Seaside Fair Committee said Bermagui wasn’t ready,” Ms Ireland said.

To test the water she put a sculpture by Bega Valley’s Richard Moffatt on Dickinson Oval. The sculpture was soon removed by Bega Valley Shire Council because it was believed to be a political statement on a proposed sewerage scheme.

Ms Ireland felt vindicated when the sculpture won first prize at Queensland’s SWELL Sculpture Festival in Currumbin and sold for $30,000.

“After that I decided I would launch it somehow or another,” she said. “It took a lot of selling raffle tickets in the main street even to pay for the insurance.”

Sculpture on the Edge was under the Bermagui Seaside Fair for a while then Ms Ireland formed a new committee and a not-for-profit entity to run it.

“I had not done anything like this before, but I was so determined for it to happen and off it went.”

After two years of preparation Sculpture on the Edge debuted in March 2007.

Escaping Eternity by Italy-based French sculptor Christine Madies. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Ireland worked tirelessly to get sculptors, including international ones, to join the event, and secured patrons “with a bit of clout” such as leading architect Philip Cox who sponsored a $5000 acquisitive prize.

Victoria Nelson, curator of large works at Sculpture Bermagui, was a committee member 17 years ago.

“Jan would go off in the bus with her hat and handbag and try to schmooze people,” Ms Nelson said.

For several years council sponsored a $10,000 acquisitive prize. Ms Ireland enlisted judges for that.

She curated the sculptures with Murray Ambler and later Chris Polglase.

There were no limits to what she would do for Sculpture on the Edge, including judging and volunteering at Lake Light Sculpture in Jindabyne and trying, often successfully, for a number of grants.

“It was a matter of always trying to make connections with organisations that might be able to help with the event such as Artisans in the Gardens from the botanic gardens in Sydney,” Ms Ireland said.

Over time the event was drawing sculptors who had exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea.

Keen to introduce children to sculpture, “busloads” would come from Bermagui Public School and when she could get money, Ms Ireland organised workshops at local schools.

Ms Ireland worked all year on the event. “Even doing the sign-off for this year, Jan would be working on the next year’s event,” Ms Nelson said.

Bermagui Public School has had a long involvement with Bermagui’s sculpture exhibitions. Photo: Supplied.

Ms Ireland’s last Sculpture on the Edge was 2016. It was renamed Sculpture Bermagui in 2017 with Paul Payten president.

Ivan Baker became president in 2022. He helped develop a committee whose members had specific responsibilities related to their skills and experience.

“Sales figures have trebled, we are dealing with a much higher volume of artworks and a much higher value of artworks,” Mr Baker said. “We believe we are now a more professional and better organised event that showcases more artists of higher calibre. Having professional judges who bring their knowledge and credibility has changed the reputation of Sculpture Bermagui.”

Along with Ms Ireland’s goal of promoting local artists, Sculpture Bermagui also aims to attract nationally known artists.

Sculpture Bermagui has 50-60 very active volunteers, along with many others who come and go.

Volunteer fatigue is an issue because nearby Four Winds and Cobargo Folk Festival also rely on volunteers.

Another difficulty is accommodation for sculptors travelling long distances given accommodation is booked out 12 months in advance. Space is also an issue.

“We are always oversubscribed with small pieces, and we are struggling with getting larger pieces to Bermagui,” he said. “There is a definite swing to smaller pieces.”

Sculpture Bermagui is well supported by local businesses. The best example is when council stopped its acquisitive prize, local pub owner Yannis Gantner stepped up to offer a large sponsorship.

“The Sculpture Walk in Batemans Bay would not exist without local government support. We are unique in being a community-run free event that has maintained financial sustainability for 20 years without direct government support,” Mr Baker said. “Almost every other comparable exhibition is on private land with paid entry or is linked to government or corporate funding.”

Sculpture Bermagui will be held 7-15 March 2026.