Proposals for Pearl Beach art trail close soon

Expressions of interest from artists, groups and community organisations wanting to take part in next year’s Ephemeral Art Trail at Pearl Beach (PBEAT25) will close at midnight on Sunday, November 10.

Those wishing to create an art installation for PBEAT2025 in the general category can check out the information sheet on the Arboretum website and lodge an EOI.

Proposals for ephemeral artworks are being sought for 15 artworks adult category, 10 artworks 16 years and under category, five local school group artworks, and five community group artworks.

All PBEAT2025 art installations and prizes will be approved by an experienced curatorial sub-committee which includes Biennale of Sydney board member Ann Flanagan.

There is a small entry fee which is waived for not-for-profit groups and schools.

Thanks to sponsorship from Belle Property Central Coast prizemoney includes $3,000 first prize (artist or group over 16), $1,500 highly commended (artist or group over 16), $500 young persons (artist or group 16 years and under) and $250 highly commended (artist or group 16 years and under).

For the 16 years and under category the artist, or groups of artists, can also nominate an equivalent donation to their school.

Schools are also being encouraged to include a PBEAT2025 art installation in their art curriculum.

Prize money has been allocated to two winning school entries: $500 for Years 4-6 and $500 for Years 7-10.

A special part of PBEAT2025 will be two initiatives – Artist in Residence and Local Emerging Artist – made possible through Central Coast Council’s Creative Art Central program.

The successful artist in residence applicant will receive a $5,000 artist fee plus $2,000 towards two weeks accommodation in Pearl Beach.

The Artist in Residence will run at least two community or school workshops and will also mentor the Local Emerging Artist.

The recently upgraded Crommelin Cottage at the Arboretum will be the PBEAT2025 Artist in Residence studio.

The successful Local Emerging Artist must live on the Central Coast and will receive a $2,500 artist fee in return for five days assisting the Artist in Residence and five days creating their own work.

Community groups are also encouraged to enter a proposal for an art installation, although no prize money will be awarded in the community category.

There will be a $1,000 People’s Choice Prize for any category awarded towards the end of the exhibition period.

Ideas for side events including environment themed community performances, workshops, and information sessions are welcome.

These could include art or craft making, poetry and prose, yoga, meditation, propagation, drumming, musical jam sessions, and/or an en plein air paint-in. 

The organising committee is looking for additional sponsorship for PBEAT2025 to enable additional community events and is hoping to hear from prospective sponsors.

The event will run for five weeks from March 29 to April 27.

See the Arboretum website for details or contact PBEAT2025 project manager Fiona Morrison by email pbeat@pearlbeacharboretum.org.au or by phone 0451 145 262.