ABOUT SIG
Sculptures in the Garden is regional NSW’s largest and most prestigious annual outdoor sculpture exhibition. We believe in the power of art to inspire, ignite conversations, and make a positive impact in our community.
Our Goal
To deliver regional New South Wales’ largest public outdoor art exhibition and support the Mudgee community and visitor economy year-round through the creation of a public art collection of prize-winning works.
Our Vision
To create a unique and nationally renowned outdoor art exhibition and public program that celebrates the work of Australian artists and provides visitors an authentic experience of Mudgee’s vibrant rural community, arts scene and food and wine culture.
Our Story
Over 16 days in the beautiful spring gardens of Rosby Vineyard in Mudgee, Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) exhibits the work of over 130 established and emerging artists from across Australia, attracting more than 4,500 visitors.
Artistic Director Kay Norton-Knight's vision in 2011 was to establish a unique public event for artists to exhibit and sell their work, while supporting the creation of a public art collection for the local community of Mudgee. The inaugural event exhibited 130 works and attracted 600 visitors.
Our mission has always been to elevate sculpture as an art form, curate the most captivating works by talented sculptors, and foster community engagement in the appreciation and understanding of these art pieces.
When esteemed art scholar and former director of the Art Gallery of NSW, Edmund Capon, opened the exhibition in 2016, he noted the event's significant contribution to the art world, declaring that sculpture had transformed from a "poor cousin" to a vibrant centerpiece in the Australian art scene.
The sprawling large-scale outdoor sculpture exhibition set against the picturesque rural Mudgee landscape makes Sculptures in the Garden a one-of-a-kind immersive experience for visitors. The exhibition is supported by a bespoke public program of special events, live music, a local children’s exhibition, guided sculpture walks, and a showcase of Mudgee’s renowned food and wine.
Visitors to Sculptures in the Garden are able to genuinely connect with the local community and experience the vibrant culture of the Mudgee region. In 2024, 55% of attendees were from outside the Mid-Western Region, including 4% from interstate and overseas. The event’s success and reputation provide a strong foundation on which to attract new audiences and grow visitation to the Mudgee region.
Now in its 15th year, in partnership with the Mid-Western Regional Council, Sculptures in the Garden has contributed public art works to the value of over $375,000 to establish a permanent public sculpture walk in Mudgee's Lawson Park that now extends to the grounds of the Mudgee Hospital and the nearby townships of Rylstone and Gulgong.
In 2025 the event will open 10am – 4pm daily from Saturday 11 to Sunday 26 October.
Join us on this remarkable artistic journey, where breathtaking sculptures, artistic expression, and community support intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.
Sculptures in the Garden is a not-for-profit event.
OUR PARTNERS
Thank you to our partners, donors and supporters. As an independent not-for-profit organisation, Sculptures in the Garden relies on the support and generosity of individuals, local business, and corporate partners to thrive.
