Walcha Shire was one of 21 local government areas across the state that put in a submission to the state government’s regional acquisition program, the expressions of interest then reviewed by an independent panel.

A $20,000 grant will make the acquisition possible and shire representatives will have the opportunity to select their sculpture of choice at the close of the exhibition.

The choice seems appropriate given Walcha is the home of a popular tourist attraction in the open-air gallery, and of last year’s Sculpture by the Sea winner Stephen King.

NSW Deputy Premier and Arts Minister Troy Grant made the announcement yesterday alongside member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson. 

Walcha Shire is part of Mr Marshall’s electorate, but after a redistribution of boundaries last year, will fall into the Tamworth area come the March election.

Mr Grant said the sculpture would add to the rich arts and cultural sector of the Walcha region and ensure regional NSW had the opportunity to experience the popular exhibition, which attracts about half a million people to the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk each year. 

Mr Marshall said it was a unique opportunity for the community to further stamp its claim as public art capital of regional NSW. 

“The richness and talent of our region’s art is first class and this sculpture will complement our already popular exhibition featuring over 40 works from local and international artists,” he said.

Walcha council will select a sculpture at the close of the exhibition on November 9 and the sculpture will be relocated to the town shortly after.

Sculpture by the Sea will run from tomorrow to November 9.