‘Savor the zest of the moment when sculpture jumps into nature’s lap.’ (The New Yorker)

Since the first visitor strolled along Waiheke Island’s inaugural Sculpture on the Gulf trail in the summer of 2003, this biennial event has honoured New Zealand’s leading artists – and launched the careers of countless others.

Sculpture on the Gulf was one of the first and is arguably the most influential of all New Zealand’s ‘galleries without walls’, and has gone on to inspire similar exhibitions around the world. Set amongst some of the most magnificent coastal landscape in the world, the undulating walkway, which snakes its way around the headland from above Matiatia towards Church Bay, has served as a temporary home for pieces created by a who’s who of New Zealand art, including Virginia King, David McCracken, Brett Graham, Phil Price, Gregor Kregar, Sriwhana Spong, Jeff Thomson, Chris Bailey, Anton Forde, Kazu Nakagawa, Denis O’Connor and Chris Booth. 

Giant rambling pōhutukawa, pockets of native bush and pebble-strewn beaches provide niches for sensitively placed works of art, made with this exquisite location in mind. Often a glittering sea is the only backdrop. Some artworks can be seen from a distance, encouraging a developing understanding as one gets closer to the work, others surprise us as we round a corner or reach the crest of a hill. Sculpture on the Gulf might be only 35 minutes by ferry from Auckland, but it aims to take us much further – into the hearts and minds of our greatest artists. 

Sculpture on the Gulf was the brainchild of Jackie O’Brien, a former director of the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, and founding benefactors Ruth Foreman, Sue Fisher and John and Jo Gow. The aim of the exhibition was always to be the foremost outdoor sculpture exhibition in New Zealand; one that welcomes artists from diverse communities. Works were to be daring and original and respond to the spectacular setting and environment of Waiheke and Tīkapa Moana (the Hauraki Gulf). 

The new board for Sculpture on the Gulf salutes those who have come before us. The next event will be held in 2022, and exciting plans are underway for an exhibition like no other. 

Our Matiatia headland is tūrangawaewae – a place for all artists to stand tall.

Haere mai! Welcome!