2009 - present

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi is a free to the public exhibition featuring over 100 artworks along the 2km stretch of coastline between Bondi to Tamarama Beach. Held in spring, each exhibition attracts an estimated 450,000 domestic and international visitors, and offers a dedicated access and inclusion program for visitors with disability and access support needs.

During the exhibition, free Tactile Tours are held in and around Marks Park on weekdays during the three-week exhibition. Bookings can be made online and in advance, and are suitable for adults, children, carers and teachers.

These unique experiences allow all visitors to experience the event in an interactive, informed and stimulating way.

The Tactile Tours are led by experienced Sculpture by the Sea guides and Access Volunteers from the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Each Tactile Tour encourages participants to interact, respond and engage with a selection of sculptures that are safe to touch.

Tactile Tour guides assist visitors to gently explore the sculptures through touch and give appropriate descriptions of the artwork on site at each selected work. Using rich language, they describe the physical aspects of the site and provide details of individual artworks including materials, colour, size, shape, weight, movement and temperature.

Large print catalogues are also available on request for vision impaired visitors to borrow. Auslan interpreters are available at selected community events and Artist Talks. A wheelchair is also available to book and use free of charge for use within Marks Park.

In 2019, a film was made to celebrate the eleventh year that Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi offered Tactile Tours, covering some of the access and inclusion activities that took place during the exhibition.

Images courtesy Charlotte Curd and Sculpture by the Sea.