Trial Bay Gaol Manager Neville Nunney said the historic prison was once a Public Works Prison and temporary home to German detainees during World War I and provides a captivating backdrop for the more liberated atmosphere of a sculpture exhibition.

“The closing date for artists to submit works is Friday, June 16. Entry to the competition is free of charge and artists stand to share in a $5,000 prize pool,” he said.

South West Rocks Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the exhibition, which will be open daily from 6 August to 2 September 2017, in partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).

Exhibition Coordinator Lela Green said with more than 5,000 visitors to the Gaol during the exhibition, artists can present their work to a sizeable audience.

“All art works featured in the Gaol exhibition or in the Escapee Trail, a Chamber initiative comprising of a walking route passing South West Rocks participating businesses, will be priced for sale” said Ms Green.

“For artists, it’s a great opportunity to connect with their market.”

This year there are two major prize categories for sculpture

Large metal and/or timber sculptures and Small metal, timber and/or mixed media sculptures. There will be prizes for runners up and a random sculpture draw winner.

School students in the Macleay are encouraged to enter the Schools Sculpture exhibition and/or the Schools Photographic/Art exhibition. Entries for the latter must relate to the Macleay area with the theme ‘From the Mountains to the Sea’.

The exhibition opens with a gala event from 11am on Sunday, August 6.

“The sculpture competition is a major event that attracts thousands of visitors to South West Rocks and to explore the historic Gaol,” SWR Chamber of Commerce president Troy De Luca said.

Visitors to the exhibition are invited to vote for their favourite artworks.

For more information visit www.sculptureinthegaol.com.au