Call for entries now open!
We are 20 years in 2020 and are celebrating with more prize money. The main acquisitive award will now increase by $5,000 to $25,000!
The 2020 Call for Entries is now open for the 20th Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize. We invite artists to submit images of their proposed or completed original, freestanding and wall mounted sculptures. The submitted art works must also be non-site specific, three-dimensional and constructed of durable materials up to 80cm in any dimension.
The Prize attracts some of the world’s most exciting and innovative professional and emerging sculptors, with prize money awarded to winning artists across four categories: the main acquisitive award of $25,000; a Special Commendation award of $2,000; the Viewers’ Choice award of $1,000; and the Mayor’s Prize of $1,000.
The main Prize winner in 2019 was Sydney based artist Merran Esson and her work Autumn On The Monaro. Sydney artist Benjamin Jay Shand was awarded both the Special Commendation Award and the Viewers’ Choice. The Mayor’s Prize was awarded to Adelaide artist Jane Price with Erica Izard receiving the Plinth Prize.
Entry options – online and postal entries
Submit your entry for the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize online directly through our website (preferred). Entries close Friday 17 July 2020.
You can still submit your entry through the post with cheque, money order or credit card by phone on +61 2 9391 7135 or by PayPal or credit card directly through the website.
Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize announces 2020 judges
Sydney, Australia: The Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize, Australia’s pre-eminent award for small sculpture presented by Woollahra Council, has announced three new guest judges for 2020 along with an increased prize pool of $29,000 to mark its 20th anniversary. Artists are now invited to submit their entries until 17 July.
The 2020 Prize judges are: Lara Strongman, Director Curatorial and Digital at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia; Australian style pioneer and internationally acclaimed artist and designer Jenny Kee AO; and art historian, writer and lecturer, Joanna Capon OAM.
The Prize attracts some of the world’s most exciting and innovative professional and emerging sculptors, with prize money awarded to winning artists across four categories: the main acquisitive award of $25,000; a Special Commendation award of $2,000; the Viewers’ Choice award of $1,000; and the Mayor’s Prize of $1,000.
Joanna Capon commented on joining the judging panel, “I am delighted to be involved in this year’s Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize which is always an important event in Sydney’s Art Calendar. In these very challenging times it will be even more significant, allowing artists the opportunity to show their works and the community to show them our support.”
Lara Strongman said, “At times of crisis, the arts are critically important in showing us new ways to look at the world around us and to imagine the future. I’m pleased to be part of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize this year and I’m looking forward to seeing the wide range of work. Sydney has an enviable reputation for the quality of its art and culture – and more than ever, we need to support our artists.”
Jenny Kee added, “In this 20th Anniversary year – what a year! – I am thrilled to be part of the judging of the Woollahra Small Sculpture Prize. At this time of crisis it’s so important for artists to have a platform in the form of this Prize and long may it continue.”
Mayor of Woollahra Susan Wynne said, “This is a milestone year for the Prize, which has built a distinguished reputation over the past 20 years and attracts some of the world’s best artists. It has featured many truly incredible works throughout its history and I’m excited to see more beautiful artistry on display in 2020.”
Established in 2001 as the first national acquisitive prize showcasing quality and diversity of smaller dimension sculptures, the Prize attracts strong support from artists, collectors and critics. Entries are open until 17 July 2020, with artists required to submit images of their original, freestanding sculpture of up to 80cm in any dimension. For the first time, entries will be accepted for wall hanging sculptural work as it is anticipated that the finalists’ exhibition will coincide with the planned opening of Woollahra Council’s new art gallery in the former Woollahra Library heritage building in Double Bay in late 2020 (subject to COVID-19 social distancing regulations).
Last year, 43 finalists were selected from 634 entries. The main Prize winner in 2019 was Sydney based artist Merran Esson and her work Autumn On The Monaro. Previous winners include Jan King (2002), Mikala Dwyer (2003), Louis Pratt (2006), Adam Cullen (2008), Alexander Seton (2009), Archie Moore (2010), Thor Beowulf (2012), Julia deVille (2013), Robert Owen (2015), Todd Robinson (2016), Sanné Mestrom (2017) and Tim Silver (2018).
For further details visit: sculptureprize.woollahra.nsw.gov.au