The iconic coastal walk between Bondi and Tamarama in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs has once again been transformed into an open-air gallery, as Sculpture by the Sea returns for another dazzling season. Stretching for two kilometres between two of the city’s most popular beaches, this internationally acclaimed exhibition features 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and the world, running from October 17 until November 3, 2025.
Humble beginnings down by the sea
Sculpture by the Sea began in 1997 as a one-day exhibition run by volunteers, featuring works by 64 artists and attended by 25,000 visitors. Since then, it has grown exponentially, and one of Sydney’s most iconic coastal walks has transformed into a thriving, bustling platform for creativity.
Over the past two decades, the event has showcased an incredible 2,691 artworks by 1,129 artists from 51 countries, captivating visitors and cementing itself as the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition. Each year, up to half a million people come to experience this unique blend of art and nature.
The lowdown on Sculptures by the Sea
This year, the exhibition features artists from 18 different countries, including Australia, Brazil, France, India, Japan, and the US. The 2025 Sculpture by the Sea awards include the Aqualand Sculpture Award, Kids’ Choice Prize, Allens People’s Choice Prize, and the Transfield Australian Invited Artist Program, among others.
New South Wales sculptor James Rogers has been named the winner of the $70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award, which is the most generous annual sculpture award in Australia. As this year’s recipient, James Rogers will have his sculpture acquired by Aqualand to be permanently displayed in Sydney.
Rogers has exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea 20 times, including at the first exhibition in 1997.
“I’m delighted to be this year’s recipient of the Aqualand Sculpture Award. Having worked with the Sculpture by the Sea team for many years, it means a lot to me to be recognised in this way,” Rogers says.
But not every artist wins an award, and participation in this exhibition requires a hefty price. On average, each artist pays around $15,000 to be in the exhibition, due to material and transportation costs. For larger-scale sculptures, that figure can climb up to $25,000.
Building opportunities by the sea
Many artists find the visibility and process of the exhibition to be an incredible opportunity, and over half have already participated at least once before.
This year, thirty-six artists are exhibiting their work at Sculpture by the Sea for the first time.
Among this year’s most talked-about pieces is a fluidly shaped aluminium piece by Perth-based artist April Pine – recipient of the Capral Artist Subsidy. Her sculpture features layered or segmented aluminium shapes, and gives both a sense of openness and structure.
First time exhibitor in Sculpture by the Sea Andrew Cullen presents ‘Rustle’ – an enormous water dragon shaped out of recycled timber, posing above rocks looking out over the walk and other exhibits. The structure invites visitors to reflect on the uncertainty of climate change and our collective future.
Each sculpture is incredibly special, and all come with a fascinating story behind them. Another unique sculpture piquing interest is one with a distinctly living, breathing, human element to it…
An open studio for reflection
This year, sculptor Dale Miles is inviting visitors behind the scenes and bringing his practice directly to the public at Marks Park with his latest project, Open Studio. This interactive installation re-creates Miles’ own studio by the ocean, giving visitors a rare chance to watch the artistic process in real time.
Miles is one of four sculptors at Sculpture by the Sea 2025 selected to share the $20,000 NRMA Insurance Artist Subsidy Program. His sculptures are featured in several public collections across Australia, including the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail at Pilot Hill.
No stranger to the Bondi coastline, Miles has exhibited here for over 10 years. Having previously won other awards such as the Helen Lempriere Scholarship (2015) and the Rio Tinto Sculpture Prize at Cottesloe (2016), this year marks Dale’s 11th Sculpture by the Sea appearance — making him a Decade Club member.
Sculptures forever
From its humble beginnings in 1997 to its cemented status as the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea continues to transform Bondi’s coastal walk into a celebration of creativity and imagination.
Whether through award-winning pieces, first-time exhibits, or interactive installations like Dale Miles’ Open Studio, the event invites reflection and wonder, and is a powerful reminder that art has the power to connect.
Voting for the iShares People’s Choice Award and the Kids Choice Prize are still open, so check out these sculptures and vote if you didn’t get the chance.
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