NEERIM ARTSFEST 2026 SCULPTURE EXHIBITION ENTRY FORM

The biennial Neerim Artsfest acquires a sculptural piece for installation in the Neerim District streetscape, to enhance and enrich the cultural experience for the local community and visitors. Neerim Artsfest’s sponsor Neerim District Bendigo Bank provide funding to acquire the winning outdoor sculpture for the Neerim Bower Sculpture Acquisition Award of $15,000 (regardless of the value of the sculpture) no commission is charged on the acquisition of this piece. In 2026 there will also be a Small Sculpture Award (non-acquisitive) of $5,000, and People’s Choice Awards of $1,000 each for one outdoor and one indoor sculpture (non acquisitive).

The 2026 theme “The Spirit Soars”, invites sculptors to create visual excitement, wonder, and an expression of freedom.

The Neerim District’s collection of public art is a legacy of the ‘’Neerim Bower – Inspired by Birds’’, Small Town Transformation Arts Grant, from Regional Arts Victoria, awarded in 2013.

IMPORTANT DATES

    1. 2026 Neerim Artsfest exhibition period is 28 February to 15 March 2026 inclusive.

    2. Entries open 1 September 2025.

    3. Entries close 5.30pm 30 Nov 2025 including submission of all documentation, images and fees.

    4. Finalists for exhibition notified by 15 December by email. Finalist entries will also be posted on website www.neerimbower.com.au

    5. Delivery and installation of sculptures by arrangement with Neerim Artsfest Coordinator Feb 23-26

    6. Judging of both categories will take place on 27 February.

    7. Notification of acquisition/awards by phone 27 Feb. Results posted on Neerim Artsfest website www.neerimbower.com.au

    8. Removal and collection of artworks -Outdoor 15-17 March 2026, Small Sculptures after 3pm 15th March or by arrangement with Coordinator.

ENTRY FORM

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

please contact: 

Lynne Wells, Neerim Artsfest Coordinator

0409 861 597 | artsfest@neerimdistrict.com.au

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

    1. Artists are invited to enter sculptures reflecting the theme The Spirit Soars” in two categories: Outdoor (large) and Indoor (small) sculpture (maximum of 1 entry per person per category).

    2. Artwork must not be offensive, derogatory or anti-social in any way, including language or graphics, and must not represent a political party or contain any depiction of violence or negative behaviour.

    3. Artwork must not present a safety risk to the public (e.g., from sharp edges, pinch points).

    4. The artist agrees to images, extracts from artist’s statement & CV to be used for exhibition publicity.

    5. Artists are responsible for creation, documentation, delivery, installation and removal of their artwork, including insurance for the exhibition period. This includes approval of installation plans (outdoor sculpture) and engineering drawings (outdoor sculptures) by Baw Baw Shire Council (BBSC) – see Documentation section following.

    6. Artsfest Committee reserves the right to withdraw or relocate any entry deemed unsuitable or dangerous to the public prior to, and during the exhibition, in consultation with the artist.

    7. Late entries will not be accepted.

  1. Sculptures will be exhibited within Algie Hall, Neerim South for the full exhibition period.

  2. Small sculptures are eligible to win the Small Sculpture prize of $5000 (non-acquisitive).

  3. Entries must be freestanding sculptures up to 80 cm in the longest dimension.

  4. Artists may supply their own plain white plinth if preferred (indicate on Entry Form).

  1. Sculptures will be exhibited within Algie Hall, Neerim South for the full exhibition period.

  2. Small sculptures are eligible to win the Small Sculpture prize of $5000 (non-acquisitive).

  3. Entries must be freestanding sculptures up to 80 cm in the longest dimension.

  4. Artists may supply their own plain white plinth if preferred (indicate on Entry Form).

Neerim Artsfest and BBSC are committed to a high standard of quality and craftsmanship to ensure the standard and durability of the artwork for long term installation. This requires technical documentation be submitted before acceptance and installation of the artwork, including:

  1. Artwork documentation:
    a. Artist Name
    b. Artwork Title
    c. Materials
    d. Dimensions and weight
    e. Approximate Value
    f. Brief statement about the work
    g. Brief artist’s statement / bio / CV
    h. Images of the completed work (and progress photos for possible use)
    i. Artist’s Insurance details ( if relevant)
    j. Maintenance manual for the work and where applicable , installation instructions/drawings (outdoor Sculpture)

Copyright declaration

    1. The artist must confirm in writing that the work complies with Intellectual Property and Copyright laws specified under the Copyright Act 1968 as their original work.

  1. Installation Plan

    1. Schematics for separation (if required) and orientation of installed work

    2. Foundation Plan including any engineering drawings available.(Outdoor Sculptures)

    3. Certificate of Currency of Insurance against loss, damage, theft for duration of exhibition including installation and removal.(If applicable)

  2. Maintenance Plan (Outdoor Sculptures)

    1. Written instructions for long-term cleaning, operation and maintenance of the artwork

    2. Information on the materials and fabrication of the artwork and related procedures to assist in any subsequent repairs or maintenance of the artwork. This should include manufacturer’s specifications, information and warranty on raw materials or coatings used in the artwork.

  3. Warranty Statement

    1. Written declaration of the quality of materials and workmanship to ensure the artwork is structurally sound and in good condition at the time of completion.

    2. The artist will be responsible for any costs or damages arising from failure to provide details above to support installation and ongoing maintenance or repair of the artwork.

  4. SECURITY

    1. The NDPA holds no insurance against damage or burglary of works and advises artists to individually insure their work. Entrants agree that the organiser of the competition is not

liable for any damage or theft of the artworks while they are displayed. 2. Public Liability insurance for up to $20 million is provided for the duration of the exhibition by the NDPA.

Entries not meeting all conditions of entry on this form including attachments will not be eligible for exhibition or acquisition. The Artsfest Committee will ensure all entries meet exhibition requirements. A panel of judges will assess all exhibited sculptures and determine the winner in each category. The panel decision is final.

The artist whose work is chosen for acquisition must also provide to Baw Baw Shire and Neerim Artsfest Committee:

  • Images and documents describing the stages, processes and development of the artwork.

  • Design documentation for BBS use in promoting the artwork or site or future events.

  • Legal title and ownership of the artwork to Baw Baw Shire, to enable payment of royalties to artist.

  • Any further information required by Baw Baw Shire to complete the permanent installation of artwork.

SELECTION OF WINNING ENTRY

Entries not meeting all conditions of entry on this form including attachments will not be eligible for exhibition or acquisition. The Artsfest Committee will ensure all entries meet exhibition requirements. A panel of judges will assess all exhibited sculptures and determine the winner in each category. The panel decision is final.

The artist whose work is chosen for acquisition must also provide to Baw Baw Shire and Neerim Artsfest Committee:

  • Images and documents describing the stages, processes and development of the artwork.

  • Design documentation for BBS use in promoting the artwork or site or future events.

  • Legal title and ownership of the artwork to Baw Baw Shire, to enable payment of royalties to artist.

  • Any further information required by Baw Baw Shire to complete the permanent installation of artwork.

CONCLUSION OF EXHIBITION

    1. Artworks sold during the exhibition can be paid for at the exhibition or by invoice from NDPA. Payment to artists will be made by direct payment into bank account within 4 weeks after closing of exhibition.

    2. Collection and delivery of sold artworks is the joint responsibility of the artist and purchaser.

    3. Artworks not collected by 31 March without prior arrangement, will become the property of the Neerim District Progress Association and used or disposed of at their discretion.

    4. Artists may only authorise an agent to collect their work with written approval by Neerim Artsfest Coordinator.