2011 Exhibition Overview

Strand Ephemera, Townsville’s biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition, was held from 2–12 September 2011. The exhibition presented highly engaging and creative artworks set agaisnt the region’s idyllic tropical landscape.

The exhibition featured a total of 36 artworks, with artists travelling from across Australia to exhibit their work and become actively involved in the array of public programs throughout the event. Of the exhibiting artists in 2011, 23 were from North Queensland, with the remainder from New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

Strand Ephemera was proudly supported by Xstrata, and the exhibition attracted over 70,000 visitors from around Australia during its 10 day showing. In mid 2012, the exhibition was announced as having won the Festivals and Events section at the Townsville Airport NQ Tourism Awards - welldeserved recognition for a significant event.

An extensive program of free events for the community took place during Strand Ephemera 2011 including tours, drop-in workshops, performances and artist talks. A number of prizes were awarded thanks to local sponsors, including the ever popular People’s Choice Award

Throughout the event, artists and local community members volunteered their time to assist with all aspects of the exhibition including the installation of artwork, guided tours, workshops and providing visitor information.

A large amount of local media coverage assisted with the success of Strand Ephemera, and national journals also featured the event, building on Townsville’s profile.

With extended support, both financially and through volunteered time, the event proved a success, loved by the Townsville community, tourists and visitors to the region, and all artists involved.

Artists and the public offered positive feedback to Perc Tucker Regional Gallery through structured feedback forms and informal discussions postevent. The Gallery team undertook a structured review that formulated ideas for the event in 2013, with a time-line of preparations to begin early in 2012.