In a show of support for Ukraine, a giant Ukrainian flag was unfurled yesterday at Sydney’s world famous outdoor public sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea.
Hundreds of members of the local Ukrainian-Australian community and their supporters attended the flag unfurling, holding the 18 x 12 metre flag aloft whilst singing the Ukrainian national anthem.
This year, Sculpture by the Sea showcased artworks by Ukrainian sculptors, and will be donating all of its commission on the sale of the sculptures by Ukrainian artists to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal. The artists will also be donating 10% of the sale price of their sculptures.
Founding CEO and Artistic Director, David Handley, was driven to show solidarity with Ukraine following the abrupt cancellation of plans he was developing with the City of Mariupol to hold an international sculpture exhibition on the beaches of Mariupol.
The build up to, and then invasion of, Mariupol put an end to the project. From February 24 2022, Mariupol suffered three months of terrible bombardment and siege and is now occupied by Russia.