Message from the Mayor

Townsville City Council is proud to present Ephemera, our much-loved and highly anticipated biennial sculptural festival which is celebrating its 22nd year of sun, sand, and sensational art in 2023.

Presented along our city’s picturesque beachfront The Strand, Ephemera showcases 31 sculptures by local and nationally renowned artists, including 25 competitive sculptures and six sculptures by invited artists.

Ephemera is open to local, national and international artists, schools and community groups. As part of Ephemera’s 22nd celebration this year, prizes will include the People’s Choice Award, Artistic Excellence Award and the highly competitive Ephemera Acquisitive Prize.

The acquisitive prize will be awarded to one artwork, with the sculpture to call The Strand home as part of our permanent sculpture display.

The Townsville City Council team continues to deliver world class festivals to our community as we grow upon our region’s cultural and artistic identity.

I would like to thank each team member, volunteer, sponsor and artist that has dedicated their time and energy to the success of Ephemera for over two decades. Without such talented people and exciting ideas, Ephemera would simply not be what is today, and I feel incredibly privileged and proud to be part of such an event.

Ephemera is one of the highlights of the region’s arts calendar and showcases Townsville when the climate is magnificent. I encourage everyone to visit Ephemera and support our artistic heritage and creative community.

Enjoy the festival.

Cr Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville

Foreword

With great excitement, the Townsville City Galleries Team welcomes you to Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures 2023, a celebration of sun, sand, and art along the stunning Strand in Townsville. This exhibition represents the culmination of many months of hard work, dedication, and innovation from local, national, and internationally renowned artists, who have created these breathtaking sculptures for you, the public, to enjoy.

We are deeply grateful for the tireless efforts of all those involved in this wonderful outdoor sculpture exhibition. From the artists who have created these amazing sculptures to the staff who have meticulously planned and executed every detail and the sponsors whose generosity has helped support the arts in Townsville, every person has played a vital role in making this a reality.

Of course, the true stars of the show are the artists whose work graces The Strand. It is an honour to showcase their incredible talent and creativity. Each sculpture is a unique and captivating work of art, and we are in awe of the skill and vision that went into creating them.

These artworks are a reminder of the importance of creativity and imagination in our lives, a celebration of North Queensland’s unique identity and provides the viewer with a wider understanding of contemporary themes impacting our society.

We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who have given their time and energy to ensure the success of this exhibition. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been a driving force behind this exhibition and a true inspiration to us all.

As we gather to celebrate Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures 2023, let us remember the power of art, community, and collaboration. It is through coming together and sharing our passions and talents that we can create something genuinely beautiful and meaningful.

Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope that Ephemera: Seaside Sculptures 2023 will inspire and delight you!