Despite a threat from organisers to relocate the event, Bondi has secured the iconic Sculpture By The Sea exhibition for the next 5 years.
Mayor of Waverley, Paula Masselos, said the agreement is an important step forward in the future of the world-class sculpture event.
“Our Council has provided in-kind support for the event for the past 23 years, and we look forward to this year’s event in whatever exciting form it takes,” Mayor Masselos said in a joint statement
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“Our iconic coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama Beach and Marks Park community headland park provided a stunning backdrop for so many years and we’d like to see this continue.”
The outdoor art show will run from October 22 to November 8, with postponement plans in place if public gathering restrictions are still under enforcement.”
“Waverley Council will continue to monitor what impact COVID-19 measures in NSW will have on public events in the future, but for the meantime, we just want to congratulate Sculpture by the Sea for moving forward in this new chapter,” Mayor Masselos added.
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A dispute by the public was made over the Council’s plans to make a new access path, which would affect the show’s dress circle position at Marks Park. Manly and Cronulla’s waterfronts and Sydney’s eastern Harbour foreshore had been considered as alternatives if the famous art display was to be relocated.
Founding Director of Sculpture by the Sea, David Handley AM,, said an agreement was reached with Waverley Council to remain in Bondi, which did not involve financial inducements.
“Bondi is really the site for Sculpture by the Sea and any other exhibition would have to be a different exhibition because it has to adjust to the physicality of the site,” said founder David Handley.
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Mr Handley insisted he had been open with all rival councils about the intention to return to Bondi where and when possible, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
While there were a tenor of relations with Waverley Council, Mr Handley confirmed that the new leadership under Mayor Paula Masselos allowed for a positive recommitment.
Labor Councillor, Paula Masselos, was the first woman of Greek heritage to be elected Mayor of Waverley in September 2019.
