In a bid to support Australian artists still restricted by COVID-19 restrictions, a unique annual Sculpture in the Gaol exhibition is moving online this year.
The show is typically held at the historic Trial Bay Gaol, on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, and attracts exhibits from across the country.
The ruins and old cells of the historic 1886 gaol, at South West Rocks, usually provide a colourful and unusual backdrop for the sculptures.
The historic site is, however, still closed to the public, and this year artists are being encouraged to send in submissions for an online showcase.
The exhibition organiser, Phil Nicholas, said 20 submissions would initially be accepted.
"We know that many artists, despite being affected by bushfires and the past two months of social distancing, have still thrown themselves into their creative practice," he said.
"We want to provide a platform for the work to be seen.
"In previous years we've had up to 100 works presented at the goal, and that would be from around 60 to 70 artists from around the country, and then a whole lot of school and community exhibitions as well.
"This is a different format, so we thought we would start with 20, and once we have those online and promoted, we will see about doing future rounds."
Entries expected from far and wide
The exhibition will open online on August 1.
Mr Nicholas said there was no entry fee and he expected to see submissions from throughout NSW and interstate.
"There are some wonderful artists and sculptors around the Mid North Coast," he said.
"Last year we also attracted new, younger sculptors from the Gold Coast in particular, and we are really pleased to be welcoming them back again this year too."
Entries for the first round close on July 24.
Virtual studio workshops
Exhibiting artists will also have a chance to share their creative processes with the public, with plans for a series of virtual studio workshops.
Mr Nicholas said they'd range from masterclasses to children's activities.
"We've been watching the large number of artists and arts institutions that have been developing online content these past two months," he said.
"It's been a steep learning curve for all, but the upside is that we've had time to digest the changes and learn how to support artists to present their workshops in the best way."
