- More than 50 works from 25 artists worth more than $1.2m to grace The Waterfront, Shell Cove
- Free and family-friendly event runs from 12 September to 25 October
The popular PromenART Sculpture Walk is returning to The Waterfront, Shell Cove for a third year, with more than 50 works valued at more than $1.2 million installed along the Shellharbour Marina from 12 September 2025.
Now a well-established highlight of the local arts calendar, PromenART, part of the Shell Cove Project, a collaboration between Frasers Property and Shellharbour City Council, will see pieces from more than 25 artists placed along the 2.4km of boardwalk and pathways flanking the marina.
QR codes will provide links to information about each piece and artist, with all sculptures available for purchase.
Mudgee-based artist Michael Ferris has two pieces on display. His 2.1m high artwork 'Autumn' uses copper, steel and river stones to depict a falling leaf while his copper and steel 'Wave' is designed to mimic the movement of waves crashing on a seashore.
Hong Kong-born Anton Poon's rusted steel 'Anchor' keeps the maritime theme going.
Japan-born Perth-based artist Yuko Takahashi's bronze 'Fortitude' depicts a majestic deer while Tobias Bennett's 'Mighty Mustang' is a rearing horse of rusted steel that towers three metres.
Astra Parker's Reaching in Return is made of Corten steel and rises six metres in an abstract expression of strength and connection.
A calendar of live music and art demonstrations will complement PromenART and there will also be a special school holiday edition of Park & Play, a program of free outdoor play sessions for 0-5 year olds, featuring kids' activity stations, petting farm and sculpture inspired scavenger hunt on 9 October 2025.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove Development Director Mathew Gulliver says the sheer numbers of visitors and locals who have enjoyed PromenART over the past two years drove the decision to continue the program in 2025.
"Shell Cove residents need no excuse to enjoy our beautiful waterfront surrounds, but the presence of these striking sculptures provides a new dimension to the landscape and encourages lingering and contemplation in the great outdoors.
"We also know PromenART provides visitors and tourists with the perfect excuse to come and explore not just the art but the restaurants, cafes, parks and beaches that make The Waterfront, Shell Cove such a special place," he says.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the sculptures served to highlight the beauty of the area.
"These magnificent sculptures are a wonderful addition to the Shellharbour Marina," he said.
"Art like this doesn't just beautify our spaces, it also creates a sense of place, builds connection and sparks conversations. I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy PromenART."
The establishment of PromenART is just the latest chapter in the Shell Cove story, following the creation of the manmade harbour and marina, shopping centre, dining precinct and numerous parks, playgrounds and walking trails.
