The decision was made to do it at The Farm because it is such a picturesque location. Applications are already open to submit works for the festival which will run over four days from October 13 to 16 at Killalea State Park. With $10,000 in cash and prizes event director Courtney Beaton said the organisers were keen for the festival to attract a mix of award winning artists, sculptors, locals and aboriginal artists.

This inaugural Sculptures at Killalea festival is free to the public and aims to attract many visitors and their families. Killalea State Park is one of the only free entry State parks in Australia and Ms Beaton said the event would help promote the picturesque site to a national audience and showcase the facilities in a brand new light.

“The event will also have an ‘artist alley’ exhibition..to support the regions most talented creatives,” she said. That includes visual artists, weavers, drawers and resin artists. Ms Beaton hopes it will become a premier arts festival in NSW. Its also an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of local talent.

“The South Coast is home to a huge number of sculptors, artists and creative talents and we hope this event is a chance to unearth their work and also promote the emergence of Shellharbour as a real dynamic and thriving city, and in particular, the unique and spectacular venue that is Killalea,” Ms Beaton said.

Further information at www.sculpturesatkillalea.com.au or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Sculpturesatkillalea.