Sydney’s Sculptures by the sea cancelled with organisers facing funding shortfalls

ABC NEWS (Australia)

This year's sculpture by the sea exhibition could be cancelled with organisers facing a funding shortfall of 200,000 dollars. The event which attracts about 450,000 visitors is meant to go ahead next month but the founder of the exhibition says a lack of federal funding means it may have to be called off.

Transcript

00:00An exhibition against a backdrop like no other.

00:05But this year it's at risk of staying bare.

00:08Unfortunately, with zero federal arts funding,

00:11it's almost impossible to put on an exhibition

00:13of the scale of Sculpture by the Sea.

00:15The organiser faces a budget shortfall of $200,000.

00:19To hear the news is just absolutely devastating for myself

00:24and the other 100 artists that will be in the show

00:28who I know have been working tirelessly.

00:31They're now scrambling to fill the financial gap

00:34with public and corporate donations.

00:37Creative Australia says organisers did not apply for any recent funding.

00:41A spokesperson said it provides a range of avenues for investment.

00:46Funding does not automatically renew at the end of a funding cycle.

00:50It's quite disingenuous of Creative Australia to say

00:53we haven't applied for funding because we did apply for funding in 2023

00:57for the only large amount of funding that is available.

01:00The prospect of this event falling off a financial cliff

01:03is only adding to the stress for emerging artists

01:07taking part for the first time.

01:10But they remain hopeful their sculptures will be showcased

01:13on this world famous stage.

01:16We just have to keep going as if it's going ahead.

01:20There is some optimism the show will go on.

01:23Donations are coming in with $86,000 so far.

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