Call for artists: Sculpture on Mary 2026

Artists are invited to apply for Sculpture on Mary, a new outdoor exhibition celebrating environmental art and the unique landscape of the Mary River. Delivered by Loose Knit Productions, the exhibition will take place on 18–19 July 2026 at The Sands, as part of the Gympie Region Studio Trails. 

A central feature of the project is a call for artists to develop ephemeral, non-permanent sculptural works that respond to the Mary River and its catchment. Four artists will be selected through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to create new, site-responsive works that explore environmental themes, sustainability, and the relationship between art and landscape. 

Selected artists will receive a paid Artist Fee alongside a Materials Allowance, supporting the development of ambitious and thoughtful new work. The opportunity also includes professional development support, positioning artists to expand their practice into public art. 

In addition to the commissioned works, Sculpture on Mary will present a broader outdoor sculpture exhibition of artwork entered by artists, transforming the riverside into a temporary gallery that invites audiences to experience art in a natural setting. 

The exhibition will be activated during the weekend with artist talks, workshops, and an evening picnic on Saturday 18 July, creating a vibrant and welcoming cultural experience for the community and visitors alike. 

This project offers artists the opportunity to engage deeply with one of the region’s most significant natural assets. Proposals should demonstrate a strong conceptual connection to the Mary River ecosystem and a commitment to environmentally responsible practice, including the use of sustainable or low-impact materials. 

Sculpture on Mary is a pilot initiative exploring new models for public art across Gympie’s tracks, trails and natural spaces, and aims to position the region as a hub for innovative, environmentally conscious creative practice. 

This project is assisted by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Gympie Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland. 

Applications are now open for commissioned works and close Sunday 24 May 2026. For more information and to submit an EOI or enter the open exhibition, artists are encouraged to go to https://linktr.ee/looseknit.