It's not widely understood that the impressive sculptures along the Clyde River are the result of inspired thinking from business and creative minds in our town - and that it's an entirely voluntary and community endeavour.
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We're chuffed that everyone who lives in, passes through or visits Batemans Bay gets to view these wonderful artworks in an open-air, free-to-all, all-hours gallery. It's for that reason we've had a prepositional name change to Sculpture FOR Clyde. And all because a few people got together and said it should!
More than 100 volunteers and an average of 6000 visitors each year have helped it succeed. We wanted to attract tourists in the shoulder season, involve businesses in the arts, inspire an appreciation of sculpture and build a permanent sculpture walk on our spectacular river.
It is unique in Australia that a community raises funds from within its business sector to buy sculptures for a permanent outdoor gallery. Support has exceeded our expectations. That we have now gifted seven sculptures (two soon to be installed), worth more than $300,000 to the Shire is testament to the creativity amongst us - and our ability to put on a world class show for visitors.
Two high schools have permanent sculptures for the enjoyment of students because one artist in their midst has been judged to be outstanding. More than 100 budding sculptors have had their work exhibited in businesses and appreciated in the Student Sculpture Exhibition. Not everyone loves every sculpture on the walk, but don't you just love people arguing and bickering about art, rather than politics and the economy? Don't you love that our beloved octopus, "Buoyansea", (pictured) is a celebrity?
Batemans Bay is often described (by outsiders) as not having a soul. Actually, we have a very creative heart and soul. We didn't have to prove it, but we have with Sculpture for Clyde and the many events in our town. Sculpture for Clyde Committee
