Expressions of interest (EOIs) from artists, groups and community organisations wanting to take part in next year’s Ephemeral Art Trail at Pearl Beach will close at 12 midnight on Sunday 10 NOVEMBER 2024. The theme for PBEAT2025 is Harmony through Nature.
There will be two parts to the Pearl Beach Arboretum Ephemeral Art Trail in 2025 which will run for 5 weeks from Saturday, March 29 to Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Firstly in the general category those wishing to create an art installation for PBEAT2025 are invited to check out the information sheet on the Arboretum website at https://www.pearlbeacharboretum.org.au/pbeat-2025/pbeatforartists 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; including Ann Flanagan, Board member of the Biennale of Sydney.
There is a small fee to enter, but this is waived for not-for-profit groups and schools.
Thanks to generous sponsorship from Belle Property Central Coast prize money 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.
In addition schools are encouraged to include a PBEAT2025 art installation in their art curriculum. Prize money has been allocated to two winning school entries –
$500 (Years 4-6); and
$500 (Years 7-10)
A special part of PBEAT2025 will be an ‘Artist in Residence’; and ‘Local Emerging Artist’ initiatives; made possible through Central Coast Council ‘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 5 days assisting the Artist in Residence and 5 days creating their own work.
Community groups are also encouraged to enter a proposal for an art installation, please note, no prize money will be awarded in the community category. However, there will be a $1,000 People’s Choice Prize (any category), awarded towards the end of the PBEAT2025 exhibition period.
Ideas for side events are also welcome, such as environment themed community performances, workshops, and information sessions. These could include: art or craft making, poetry and prose; yoga, meditation, propagation, drumming, musical jam sessions, and/or a en plein air paint-in. For privately-run events and workshops there will be the usual charge for hiring the Arboretum.
The organising committee is looking for additional sponsorship for PBEAT2025 to enable additional community events and would love to hear from prospective sponsors.
Please see the Arboretum website for details or contact the PBEAT2025 Project Manager, Fiona Morrison, by email pbeat@pearlbeacharboretum.org.au or by phone 0451 145262.
Source: Mary Knaggs, Secretary of the Pearl Beach Arboretum and Principal Curator for PBEAT2025.