Just In: James Rogers Wins Sculpture by the Sea’s Highest Honour for 2025

After a hard-fought funding battle, Sculpture by the Sea kicked off at Bondi this morning. The 27th edition features pieces from more than 90 artists – and is the world’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition.

In a ceremony at Marks Park this morning, James Rogers won the $70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award for his piece Siren’s Song.

Rogers is based in regional NSW and is no stranger to the world of Sculpture by the Sea. He has exhibited more than 20 times, including in the inaugural 1997 exhibition.

In a statement, Rogers said he was “delighted” by the win. “Having worked with the Sculpture by the Sea team for many years now, it really means a lot to me to be recognised in this way.”

The Waverley Council Mayor’s Award – a $10,000 prize – was announced at the same ceremony. It went to WA artist Jina Lee for her work i.

At the awards ceremony, founding CEO and artistic director David Handley celebrated artists while also criticising the lack of federal arts funding, which almost saw the exhibition cancelled.

“It is wonderful to stage this year’s exhibition for over 90 artists from around the world, after two years living on the edge without federal arts funding … That the artists return year after year is a testament to how important this exhibition is to them. It would be wonderful if the federal government recognised this and supported the artists and our not-for-profit organisation in putting on the exhibition as a free to the public event,” Handley said in a statement.

Among the newcomers this year is decorated artist Tim Storrier – who has won the Archibald, Sulman (twice), and Doug Moran prizes – making his Sculpture by the Sea debut with anthropomorphic piece Splotcher. On the other side of the scale, Japanese artist Keizo Ushio is celebrating 25 consecutive years of exhibiting at Sculpture by the Sea.

Other artists exhibiting include Lucy Barker, Jane Gillings, Drew McDonald, Ron Gomboc, Michael Le Grand, Philip Spelman, Ayako Saito and more.

Sculpture by the Sea runs from Friday October 17 to Monday November 3. Head here to see Broadsheet ’s gallery of the 2025 exhibition.

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