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headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF 2011 takes place on Waiheke Island, Auckland, from January 28th to February 20th.

The leading sculpture exhibition in New Zealand headland is located on a spectacular coastal walkway on Waiheke Island and includes new sculptures from renowned and emerging artists curated by respected selectors. 2011 will be the fifth biennial event and is set to include more works than ever before.

headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF captures the imagination. Initiated in 2002 by the Waiheke Community Art Gallery as a project that would inspire and challenge New Zealand sculptors. Also offering the Waiheke island community and visitors new experiences of art outside of traditional gallery spaces. Island residents and known supporters of NZ Sculpture Sue Fisher, Ruth Foreman and Jo and John Gow were invited to participate in the development of a vision for this initiative and guide and support its evolution. They developed a uniquely Waiheke response to displaying large scale sculpture in the landscape. A team was gathered and the biennial event on the Matiatia to Church Bay walkway began. The successful Friends and Patrons scheme was pioneered by our founding benefactors and is integral to the success of the event today.

Over ten years headland has fostered and supported New Zealand sculptors, both established and emerging artists. SCULPTURE ON THE GULF is unique in that it offers a grant to all selected artists. For 2011 headland is offering three new artist awards, headland 2011 Premier Award, $30,000, plus 2 Selectors' Merit Awards of $5000 each, along with the Fullers People's Choice Award.

The inaugural successful 2001 event attracted 12,000 visitors over two weeks growing to 26,500 visitors in 2009. An important event on the New Zealand arts calendar, headland 2011 will run for three weeks, 28 January - 20 February.

healand SCULPTURE ON THE GULF is a charitable organisation, the exhibition is an initiative of the Waiheke Community Art Gallery. For information on donating, sponsorship or volunteering, please visit our SUPPORTERS page.

2011 Selectors Panel

A curated exhibition, each sculpture must be a new work and is specially selected for the walkway. The 2011 selectors panel includes:

• Trish Clark Chair, Advisory Panel for Public Art, Auckland Council
• Heather Galbraith Senior Curator Art, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
• James McCarthy Executive Director, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts

"headland is a freight train of artistic opportunity both for artist and visitor. Set in a beautiful location you will engage with dynamic site specificity, large crowds and the forces of nature. This year we will focus on artistic excellence and chose those works that engage with the site and contemporary practice in exciting and rigorous ways!" James McCarthy, selector, headland 2011