Philip Cox AO, and Janet Hawley opened their retreat to lovers of sculpture in 2019. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
Public funding of the arts is declining, meaning community-run events such as Sculpture Bermagui, Sculpture for Clyde and the River of Art Festival must compete harder for philanthropic support.
Leading Australian architect, Murrah River local and a founding sponsor of Sculpture, Bermagui Philip Cox has urged Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) and local businesses to boost their investment in art in public places.
Cox and his partner, journalist and author Janet Hawley, have been patrons of the Bermagui event since 2011 when they offered the first Cox Acquisitive Prize which began their bushland collection.
Mr Cox said the growing competition for philanthropic funding made it increasingly challenging for events like Sculpture Bermagui which is entirely community-run and funded by sponsorships, donations and commissions from art sales.
He said there was a growing challenge to attract recognised artists and while buyers were looking for quality pieces, it took time and money to transport large and often heavy sculptures long distances.
Mr Cox sees value in increased sponsorships, possibly from companies with commercial transport trucks, such as the Bermagui Fishermen’s Wharf and Co-operative and Bega Cheese, to help artists with transportation costs.
Offers of local short-stay accommodation or overnight campsites are welcome too as several sculptors end up sleeping in their vehicles.
Mr Cox sees an opportunity for the National Circularity Centre (NCC), currently being built in Bega, to have sculpture in its building and garden. The NCC is part of the Bega Circular Valley initiative led by Bega Cheese chair Barry Irvin.
Mr Cox encourages Bega Cheese and BVSC to purchase sculpture for the NCC and develop a collection.
He has a vision of sculptures along Bermagui town’s walkways to showcase the link between the fishing village and Sculpture Bermagui.
Tika Robinson’s sculpture Personal Growth. Photo: File.
He would like BVSC to place sculptures throughout the shire, possibly through the acquisition of work at Sculpture Bermagui.
In Eurobodalla shire, Sculpture for Clyde has acquisitive prizes too and has created Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk, a permanent public art gallery. Each year the winner of the acquisitive award is permanently installed along the town’s walkways.
While Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea went ahead in 2025 thanks to last-minute funding, Sculpture for Clyde was cancelled due to funding difficulties. The cancellation was made after third-party funding fell through following the 2024 event. It has been running since 2017.
David Maclachlan, one of the organisers, said a dispute surrounding Eurobodalla Shire Council (ESC) funding the event created a perception that Sculpture for Clyde did not have the support of council. As a result it lost some of its sponsors.
Last year it also did not receive funding from Destination NSW despite receiving it in the past.
Sculpture for Clyde has secured new funding for 2026.
Another major arts event in Eurobodalla, the River of Art Festival, failed to get funding for the 2026–2028 period under ESC’s Community Grants and Donations Program.
ESC has supported the festival over many years and it was previously recognised as one of only two ‘hallmark events’ in the shire.
The festival said it had always had to chase financial support. ESC was simply the latest in a long line of government bodies to decline support for 2026. However, it said it had secured a solid financial position for 2026.
Philip Cox at his property with a sculpture by David Doyle. Photo: Supplied.
On a positive note, ESC will install 22 sculptures around the shire by June 2026.
The sculptures came from British and Australian artists Gillie and Marc.
The donation was made through the Australian Cultural Gift Program, a government initiative where people can donate items to public institutions and receive tax benefits.
The artists also paid for the freight costs, leaving ESC to just pay for the sculptures’ installation, along with their minimal upkeep and maintenance.
The sculptures were donated as a complete exhibition and have a cost of $1.6 million.
In a 9 December newsletter, River of Arts Festival said it contributed more than $14 million economically to the region in 2024 but the festival’s true value goes well beyond that.
It strengthens community identity and pride, draws visitors to spend and experience place, brings together people from different generations, cultures and communities, supports mental wellbeing, creative expression and connection, turns regional towns into cultural destinations, and gives artists visibility, income, voice and momentum.
Mr Cox said Sculpture Bermagui was often a nursery for some sculptors.
“They may be first- or second-time exhibitors but have the talent and that’s something that should be encouraged.”
Sculpture Bermagui will be held 7-10 March.
