Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures is returning to Townsville's premier foreshore this Saturday with more than 30 new artworks from Australia, Canada and the United States.
The internationally recognised biennial competition has been running for 22 years and will include six non-competitive invited artists and 25 competitive artists who will exhibit their sculptural works along The Strand.
Competitive artists will be vying for the $1,000 People's Choice Award, the $10,000 Artistic Excellence Award and the $90,000 Ephemera Acquisitive Prize.
Peter Redmond from Sandstorm Events is returning to Ephemera this year as an invited artist, and said he was looking forward to showing his work along The Strand for the exhibition.
"I was really excited to receive the news that I was once again an invited artist at the Strand Ephemera for 2023 and that sand sculpture will again be on display at such a well recognised and regarded event that promotes diversity of thought, creativity and sculptural excellence in a vast variety of media," Mr Redmond said.
"For me the ephemeral nature of sculptured sand goes to the very essence of the Ephemera, it's derived by nature and in closing is reclaimed by nature leaving only the memory as evidence of its existence. I look forward to creating the sculpture as the theme will resonate with all who see it and I always enjoy the daily interactions explaining my craft with the public.
"Having participated in previous events I truly appreciate the support that Townsville City Council has provided for the visual arts and the dedication, drive and commitment of all involved in making it the success it is."
Mayor Jenny Hill said Ephemera was a world-renowned art exhibition that has helped shine a spotlight on Townsville for more than 20 years.
"Ephemera attracts tens of thousands of visitors to The Strand every two years, providing an essential boost to Townsville's economy," Cr Hill said.
"As a regional centre that has recently been recognised as one of Australia's top 10 cities to live in, Council is pleased to be able to extend its commitment to Townsville's liveability through bringing events like Ephemera to the public.
"This free seaside exhibition is a drawcard not only for locals who gather along the foreshore to experience the Ephemera magic, but also for tourists who travel from far and wide to enjoy this outstanding display of public art.
"The competition is recognised on an international level, putting Townsville's commitment to being the arts and culture capital of Northern Australia on the world stage."
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said this year's exhibition has been extended to 16 days and will include works from Canada and the United States.
"Canadian artist Alexandra Haeseker has entered her work WINGSPAN into the competitive section of Ephemera, while US artist Tom Fruin has been invited to show his work Street Ministry House," Cr Greaney said.
"Ephemera also boasts 40 per cent local talent this year, proving that Townsville's artistic talent is on par with the world's best.
"This high calibre of talent is a testament to Townsville's reputation as a sustainable destination that embraces the arts.
"I'm pleased to welcome these international artists to Ephemera alongside our local and national entrants and invited artists and I can't wait to head down to The Strand to enjoy the outdoor exhibition this weekend."
