Starting this weekend and running until March 17, the SWELL Smalls Art Prize will see 50 artworks displayed from artists across the country, including 13 Gold Coast artists and 17 from the Northern Rivers. What differs from the iconic SWELL Festival is that these works will be small enough to be showcased indoors.

SWELL Sculpture Festival Co-founder and Artistic Director Natasha Edwards said: “We are bringing the outdoors in for a fresh change.”

This exhibition also gives art enthusiasts a voice, with those who visit the exhibition able to vote for their favourite artwork, and the winning artist given a cash prize for the people’s choice award. 

SWELL Sculpture Festival has been building in popularity for more than 20 years, bringing the beachfront to life with an array of mind-blowing sculptures from local, national and international artists. Securing its place as Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, the 2023 festival showcased more than 65 works that complement the unique beach backdrop. Last year also saw smaller sculptures sharing the spotlight in the SWELL Smalls Gallery which is how this new exhibition in Broadbeach was born. Expanding the SWELL offering to the Gold Coast community in a more manageable size opens up a world of possibilities for local artists.

This new exhibition “stands as a testament to the triumph of our signature SWELL event,” Natasha said. “This initiative also affords our artists an opportunity to reignite connections.”

With a line-up of live music, workshops, masterclasses and a still-life drawing experience, there will be something here for artists and art lovers alike. 

For more information, head to SWELL Smalls Art Prize website.