Sculpture on the Farm Dungog
2025 Event Program
29–31 August 2025
Dungog Common, Dungog NSW
Join us for the fifth edition of Sculpture on the Farm as we transform Dungog Common into an open-air gallery showcasing the work of emerging and established Australian sculptors. Wander through curated outdoor and indoor exhibitions, take part in engaging artist talks and hands-on workshops, while enjoying local entertainment and refreshments.
For answers to questions about visiting, tickets, accessibility, and more, please visit our FAQs page or email for enquiries.
Dungog Common Recreation Reserve dungogcommon.org
Friday 29 August,
9:00am-4:00pm
9:00 - Exhibition Opens
9:30 – Cherie Platen Glass Art Demonstration (9.30-11.30, Open Air Exhibition).
10:00 - Performing Artists of Dungog found overlooking the Refreshments Area (10-3.30)
10:00 – Guided Sculpture Stroll of Open Air Exhibition (10-11, FREE, Meet at Sales Hub).
11:00 – Sculptor Chat with Anna Dudek (FREE, Indoor Exhibition Marquee).
11:30 – Guided walk of Sculpture Trail (11.30-12.30, FREE, Meet at the Top - catch the shuttle or walk).
12:00 – Sculpture Chat with Deborah Halpern (FREE, Meet at Dove of Peace).
12:30 – Sculptor Chat with Kahli Heit (FREE Meet at the Sales Hub).
1:00 – Sculptor Chat with Jonathan Foley, working with marble (FREE, Meet at Sales Hub).
1:30 – Glass Art Demonstration by Cherie Platen (1.30-3.30pm, Open Air Exhibition).
2:00 – Guided Tour of Indoor Exhibition Marquee (FREE, 1 hour).
3:00 – Guided nature walk through the Dungog Common and Creek with Dungog Commoners Landcare (FREE, 1 hour). Meet at Campsites
3:00 – Sculptor Chat with Bridget Whitehead (FREE, Meeting Place TBC).
4:00 – Exhibition Closes.
5:00 – Gala Opening Cocktail Party, 5pm - 7pm James Theatre Dungog. Tickets Try Booking
Saturday 30 August,
9:00am-4:00pm
9:00 – Exhibition Opens
9:30 – Cherie Platen Glass Art Demonstration (9.30-11.30, Open Air Exhibition).
10:00 - Performing Artists of Dungog found overlooking the Refreshments area and wandering amongst the sculptures (10- 3.30)
10:00 – Sculptor Chat with SOF Judge Johannes Pannekoek (FREE, Meet at the Indoor Exhibition Marquee).
10:00 - Blacksmithing workshop with Will Maguire making your own coins ($5pp, Meet at the Blacksmith to register, limited places.) (10-12noon)
10:30 – Guided Sculpture Stroll of Open Air Exhibition (FREE).
11:00 – Sculptor Chat with Nicole O'Regan (FREE, Indoor Exhibition Marquee).
11:30 – Guided Walk of Sculpture Trail (11.30-12.30, FREE, Meet at the Top - catch the shuttle or walk).
12:00 – Percussive Fusion of Music and Sculpture at Sowelu Two
1:00 – Sculptor Chat with Anna Dudek (FREE, Meet at the Sales Hub).
1:00 - Guided Walk of Sculpture Trail (FREE).
1:00 - Blacksmithing workshop with Will Maguire making your own coins ($5pp, Meet at the Blacksmith to register, limited places.) (10-12noon)
1:30 – Glass Art Demonstration by Cherie Platen (1.30-3.30, Open Air Exhibition).
1:30 - Sculptor Chat with SOF Judge Johannes Pannekoek (FREE, Meet at the Sales Hub).
3:00 – Guided nature walk through the Dungog Common and Common Creek with Dungog Commoners Landcare (FREE, 1 hour + depending upon the questions). Meet at Campsites
3:00 – Sculptor Chat with Bridget Whitehead (FREE, Meeting Place TBC).
4:00 – Exhibition Closes.
6:00 – Dinner with a Side of Jazz, 6pm - 10pm Royal Hotel Dungog. Buy tickets here: TRYBOOKING.
Sunday 31 August,
9:00am-2:00pm
9:00 – Exhibition Opens
9:15 - Guided nature walk through the Dungog Common Rifle with Dungog Commoners Landcare (FREE, 45 mins - 1 hour). Meet Allen at the top of the Common at Big Yellow Taxi, either walk up or catch the shuttle bus up.
9:30 - Performing Artists of Dungog found overlooking the Refreshments area and wandering amongst the sculptures (9.30- 1:30) – Guided Tour of Indoor Exhibition Marquee (FREE).
9:30 - Cherie Platen Glass Art Demonstration (9.30-11.30, Open Air Exhibition).
10:00 – Sculptor Chat with Nicole O'Regan (FREE, Indoor Exhibition Marquee).
10:30 – Guided Walk of Sculpture Trail (11.30-12.30, FREE, Meet at the Top near Big Yellow Taxi, catch the shuttle or walk).
11:30 – Guided Stroll of Open Air Exhibition (FREE).
12:00 – Percussive Fusion of Music and Sculpture at Sowelu Two
1:00 – Announcement of the People's Choice Award Winners
2:00 – Exhibition Closes.
2:30 – Purchasers can collect works between 2.30-4pm.
What to Expect
The exhibition hub, accessed from Common Road, will showcase indoor works in the Indoor Exhibition Marquee facing Common Road, while the garden and courtyard sculptures will be displayed in the Open Air Exhibition facing the Trail Head to the Dungog Common. The large and monumental sculptures will be displayed throughout the Sculpture Trail, interacting with the surrounding landscape.
Location: Dungog Common, 74 Common Road, Dungog NSW 2420.
Entry: $10 pp with children 18 years and under FREE.
Parking: Free on-site with shuttle looping around the Common.
Food & Drink: Food & Refreshments provided by local food vendors.
Accessibility: Dungog Common has limited wheelchair access, but visitors with reduced mobility can still enjoy the lower indoor and outdoor sculpture exhibitions on foot. The monumental sculpture trail can also be comfortably experienced via the shuttle bus, included with ticket entry.
2025 Judges
For the 2025 Sculpture on the Farm exhibition, we are excited to welcome two distinguished judges who will play a pivotal role in determining the recipients of our $57,000 prize pool across 10 categories.
Our first judge, Lauretta Morton OAM, brings a wealth of expertise in arts leadership and gallery direction, with a keen eye for curating exceptional art experiences. The second judge, Johannes Pannekoek, is an award-winning, hands-on sculptor, celebrated for his skill in creating impactful, innovative works of art. Together, their combined experience and unique perspectives will ensure a fair and inspiring selection process for this year’s awards.
Lauretta Morton OAM
Director Newcastle Art Gallery
Lauretta Morton OAM is the first female Director in Newcastle Art Gallery's 68-year history. An alumnus of Oxford, Macquarie and Sydney Universities, Newcastle Art School, and the Australian Business and Company Director Institutes; she has over 35 years’ experience in arts practice, administration, senior leadership roles, and as an advisor to Government and Industry Boards. Under her Directorship, Newcastle Art Gallery has achieved record growth in benefaction, audience participation, national and international awards, and the Gallery's major building expansion.
In 2022, Lauretta was awarded the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in recognition of her 'outstanding and meritorious service' to the museums and galleries sector.
Johannes Pannekoek
Artist
Johannes Pannekoek is a Western Australian artist renowned for his striking, curvilinear metal sculptures. His work delves into abstract forms, focusing on parabolic curves, spatial relationships, and the dynamic interaction between volume and line. He works with both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, employing advanced mathematical concepts and fabrication techniques to create unique sculptures with a polished, refined finish. Johannes has exhibited extensively across Australia, with his notable works attracting widespread recognition. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious $30,000 Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill Sculpture Award for his sculpture Lifeblood at Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe. Operating from his design studio and fully equipped workshop in Gooseberry Hill, Western Australia, he leads a small team of skilled professionals who help transform his intricate designs into captivating sculptures that challenge and engage viewers.
How to Buy Tickets
Entry is $10 per adult, with free admission for children 18 and under.
While tickets will be available at the exhibition, we encourage you to purchase in advance to help us better plan for visitor numbers and ensure a smooth experience for everyone.
Missed the main event? Monumental sculptures and our permanent collection will remain at Dungog Common for the entire month of September — and it’s all free to explore.
Please consider supporting this unique regional event by becoming a Donor, Sponsor or Volunteer. Follow us on social media and join our email newsletter to stay updated.