Sculpture in the Gaol Opening Day 2023

Published on 09 August 2023

Set your creativity free at this year’s Sculpture in the Gaol

Sculpture in the Gaol, the Macleay Valley Coast’s unique outdoor sculpture exhibition at the iconic Trial Bay Gaol in South West Rocks, will open to the public for its twelfth year on Saturday 26 August for a month-long exhibition.

Head on down to the exhibition’s opening day on Saturday afternoon from 2-5pm, to soak up art, culture and fun in a stunning location, with a range of creative activities for the whole family. 

There will be free entry all weekend, a guided event tour accompanied by sculptors to talk about their work, and artist talks, including an address by well-known Dunghutti artist Blak Douglas, 2022 Archibald Prize winner and one of the exhibition judges.

There will also be creative workshops, including an opportunity to try your hand at a pottery wheel, as well as live music, food, and entertainment.

Of course, the stars of the show will be the amazing sculptures, which are displayed throughout the gaol and surrounds, transforming the penitentiary into a unique, unforgettable artistic landscape. 

Sculpture in the Gaol is a key cultural event for the Macleay and attracts artists and visitors from near and far for the chance to experience unique art pieces against the historic backdrop of the ruins of a nineteenth century prison.  

Artists compete for a $5000 first prize, awarded by a panel of judges, including Blak Douglas and Norma Pitt, President of the South West Rocks Community Art Gallery.

From Sunday 27 August, South West Rocks Community Art Gallery will be exhibiting some of the smaller sculptures as part of a breakout exhibition.

The exhibition will run for a month, until 24 September. After the opening weekend, normal fees will apply to visitors of Trial Bay Gaol. Follow the event's Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.