Around the grounds of Nan Tien Temple are 15 large sculptures by artists from around the state. The inaugural sculpture award was open to any Australian artist, however curator Venerable You Ji said the pandemic limited what they could exhibit.

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"The sculptures are amazing and look great," she said. "We definitely want this to be a yearly event."

There is also more than 80 small sculptures installed along the bridge joining the temple to the Nan Tien Institute. These have been created from recycled materials by the nuns themselves and members of the Buddha's Light International Association (including BLIA scouts, cubs and joeys).

The official opening will be at 11am on Sunday at the Nan Tien Temple Lotus Pond, with the exhibition to run until March.

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It coincides with the temple's annual Cultural Festival which begins Christmas Day, and runs until January 3 with cultural performances, music, food, stalls and blessings.

"COVID-19 will definitely affect the celebration in Nan Tien Temple," Venerable You Ji said.

"We will still have all our decorations up for the festival and we welcome everyone into the temple, just remember to wear a mask."

www.nantien.org.au

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