Leading architect calls for council and business to dig in deep for the arts
SCULPTURE BERMAGUI : Murrah River local and one of the founding sponsors of Sculpture Bermagui, Philip Cox, has urged the Bega Valley Shire Council and local businesses to boost their investment in art in public spaces.
The leading Australian architect, whose property ‘Thubbul’, nestled alongside the ocean and the mouth of the Murrah River, is dotted with prize-winning sculptures purchased at the annual event, is a passionate supporter of the arts.
Cox and his partner, journalist and author Janet Hawley, have been patrons of Sculpture Bermagui since 2011, when Canberra sculptor Senden Blackwood won the first Cox Acquisitive Prize, beginning the bushland collection.
Walking through the changing bushland of spotted gum, paperbark, and the robust green of cycads brings a revelation of sculptures: spears pointed to the sky, corten steel kangaroos bounding across the landscape, or a metal sphere beckoning on the horizon.
Cox has taken joy in buying and placing the prize-winning sculptures on the property and wants to encourage other sponsors and local businesses to get on board.
At a time when public funding of the arts is declining, as witnessed by a last-minute call for funding from Bondi’s Sculpture by the Sea in 2025, Cox says there’s growing competition for the philanthropic dollar.
This is making it increasingly challenging for events like Sculpture Bermagui, which is entirely community-run and funded by sponsorships, donations and commissions from art sales.
“It’s usually the same people every year who back the event. We’re happy to do it but we need broader community support and to get people more engaged with sculpture.”
The March exhibition, which displays large sculptures on the stunning Bermagui headland and smaller pieces in the Surf Club and Shop7 ArtSpace at the Fisherman’s Wharf, has become a must-see on the Sapphire Coast’s cultural calendar.
Cox says visitors, friends and contacts come from all over the country for the event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, but there’s a growing challenge to attract recognised artists.
Buyers are looking for quality pieces, but it takes time and money to transport large and often heavy sculptures long distances to Bermagui, and artists need help with that.
Offers of local short-stay accommodation or overnight campsites would also be welcomed, as several sculptors end up sleeping in their vehicles.
This is where Cox sees the value of increased sponsorships, possibly from companies with commercial transport trucks, like the Bermagui Fisherman’s Wharf and Co-operative and Bega Cheese.
Cox suggests another opportunity lies with the establishment of the National Circularity Centre (NCC) in Bega, part of the Bega Circular Valley initiative led by Bega Cheese CEO Barry Irvin.
“The centre is being built on the Bega Cheese site. They are creating a garden which could easily have sculpture in it and the centre itself would be a wonderful receptacle for artwork.”
Cox, who’s lead architect on the build, wants to encourage Bega Cheese and the Bega Valley Shire Council to purchase sculpture for the NCC and build up a collection.
“I’ve been encouraging the Bega Cheese management to incorporate the arts into the Circularity Centre because that is an important part of circularity in the community.”
In fact, Cox would like to see the Bega Valley Shire Council placing sculpture throughout the shire, possibly through the acquisition of work at Sculpture Bermagui.
Around Bermagui itself, Cox envisages more sculptures along the walkways around town, really showcasing the link between the fishing village and the annual event that turns Bermagui into an Autumn arts hub.
As to the pieces he’s collected over 20 years of sculpture exhibited at Sculpture Bermagui, Cox said “it’s a tangible contribution and has given me a lot of joy. A great deal of joy”.
“Some of the sculptors I have got to know are very good and have done very well in their careers.
“Sculpture Bermagui is often a nursery for some sculptors. They may be first or second-time exhibitors but have the talent, and that’s something that should be encouraged.”
Sculpture Bermagui will be held from March 7-15, 2025.