Broomhill National Sculpture Prize

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An Italian marble cloud, nature growing within bird spikes, a Queen Anne style armchair that has slipped from a tightrope, a playful take on a garden bench and a fallen tree are amongst the finalists vying to win the 2018 National Sculpture Prize on display at Broomhill, North Devon from 1st June. One of the shortlisted sculptures even responds to the issue of global warming with the creation of a viewing tower for displaced people.
Launched in 2009 by The Broomhill Art and Sculpture Foundation, the National Sculpture Prize (NSP) was set up as platform to showcase new and emerging UK based sculptors and this year, amidst fierce competition, ten UK based sculptors have been selected by a top judging panel and are bidding to win the prestigious title. Their entries will be displayed in the beautiful woodlands of the Broomhill Sculpture Park throughout the summer with the winners announced in October
The prize aims to support emerging artists and the competition is open to all UK based artists of any age, currently studying (or within 10 years of graduation) an art-related course at a recognised School of Art.
With such a distinctive array of influences and styles, this year's judges, artists Sasha and Ray Ward along with the owners of Broomhill, Rinus and Aniet van de Sande, anticipate a challenging debate in agreeing their winner.
"The debates and arguments as we judges try to reach an agreement are always fascinating. It's a gladiatorial contest as the entries have such variety of material uses and concepts. Some pieces have a serious message, others are simply fun and interactive and each year we have a different group of judges, which means that a new set of likes, dislikes and prejudices comes into play" - Rinus van de Sande
In 2017, Lauren Goldie's sculpture Light Obscurity, was chosen as a memorable winner by the judges.
As well as a Judges Winner, the National Sculpture Prize offers the public an opportunity to have their say as visitors to Broomhill can vote in person or online via the venue's website. This chance to voice an opinion and collectively choose a winner receives a great response with all ages, from schools and families to garden groups and art enthusiasts having a say. Last year over 3500 votes were cast selecting Benedict Hughes' sculpture 'Mammoth' as their winner.
The final ten sculptures for the 2018 competition will be on display at Broomhill Sculpture Gardens in Barnstaple, North Devon from 1st June until October.