PRESS RELEASE: Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival – Contemporary Sculpture in an Historic Setting
Wollombi Valley, NSW – The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival is again set to transform one of New South Wales’ most picturesque rural landscapes into an inspiring celebration of contemporary sculpture, creativity and community.
Bringing together established and emerging artists from Australia and beyond, the festival presents diverse and innovative works across a wide range of materials and styles, showcasing the breadth of contemporary sculpture. Set against rolling hills and historic village surrounds, the exhibition creates a unique dialogue between art and landscape, offering an experience that is sympathetic to place.
The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival also supports regional tourism and the local economy by encouraging visitors to explore the area’s renowned wineries, artisans, producers, cafés, accommodation and heritage attractions.
In 2026, there is an expanded program of complementary events, including mid-week options, that encourage visitors to ‘linger longer’ and extend their stay. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet artists, attend guided tours, participate in workshops and enjoy a program of activities that celebrates creativity, local culture and the natural environment.
Festival organisers say the event is about more than art.
“The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival celebrates the connection between creativity, landscape and community. We are proud to provide a platform for artists while welcoming visitors to discover the unique beauty and character of the Wollombi Valley.” Sheena Duncan, Festival Executive Director
“The WVSF, now running for over 20 years, has grown to become one of the important events in the exhibition calendar for practising sculptors. Exhibiting at Sculpture in the Vineyards is a chance to showcase large and small works of contemporary sculpture in the sympathetic surrounds of an historic village.” James Rogers is a multi-award-winning Australian sculptor and was the winner of the Aqualand First Prize at Sculpture by the Sea Sydney, 2025.
Media Enquiries
Sheena Duncan
Festival Executive Director
Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival
Mobile: 0434 132 688
[email protected]
www.sculptureinthevineyards.com.au
Photos: High resolution photos are available upon request
Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival Highlights
> Over 180 works by leading and emerging Australian and International sculptors
> Sculpture trail that weaves throughout the historic villages of Wollombi and Laguna
> Outdoor sculpture in spectacular natural surroundings
> Six indoor galleries in historic buildings
> Meet the Artist talks and guided tours
> Workshops, live music and community activities
> Opportunity to purchase original artworks
> Local food, wine and regional experiences
> Less than 2 hours from Sydney and 90 minutes from Newcastle
For festival information and the full program, visit the festival website or follow the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival on social media.
About the Festival
> The biennial Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival continues to grow as one of regional New South Wales’ most distinctive cultural events, celebrating artistic excellence while strengthening connections between artists, visitors and the local community.
> A full list of exhibiting sculptors can be found on our website.
> It is regional NSW’s largest-scale and longest-running sculpture festival, established in 2002.
> Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW is the festival’s Patron. There is a Governor’s Prize, which offers a 12-month exhibition at Government House. Previous winners include Ron Robertson-Swann OAM and Michael Snape.
> In 2026, we are offering a substantially increased total prize pool of over $80,000 and 12 non-acquisitive prizes – the most substantial offering of any regional NSW festival.
> We are entirely volunteer-run with a team of 100+ volunteers.
> Recent investment in Wollombi Village over the past two years, including new ownership of the Wollombi General Store (an exhibition site) has further enhanced the village’s charm and warmth.
Suggested Editorial
Set against the rolling hills, vineyards and historic charm of the Wollombi Valley, this remarkable sculpture event invites visitors to slow down, wander and see the region through the eyes of more than 180 leading and emerging Australian and international sculptors.
The journey unfolds along a sculpture trail that meanders through the villages and surrounding countryside, where monumental and intimate works sit in conversation with the natural environment. Six galleries housed within heritage buildings add another layer of discovery, showcasing an inspiring collection of contemporary sculpture. For those looking to take a piece of the experience home, the works are available to purchase.
Beyond the artworks, the event celebrates the creative spirit of the region. Meet the artists through talks and guided tours, take part in hands-on workshops, enjoy live music and community gatherings, and indulge in the area’s celebrated food, wine and local hospitality.
Just under two hours from Sydney and 90 minutes from Newcastle, it’s an enriching escape where art, nature and country hospitality come together in unforgettable ways.
Wollombi – Means “Meeting Place of the Waters”
The festival takes place on the traditional lands of the Awabakal people to the east, the Wannaruah people to the northwest, and the Darkinjung people to the south. Wollombi was and continues to be an important meeting place for Aboriginal people.
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