IT’s a quirky idea that’s gained a lot of traction.

Portland’s TRAILS Sculpture Prize is now in its fourth year. Dreamed up by Julia Street Creative Space’s Robyn McDonald and the then mayor of Portland Anita Rank in 2019 as COVID restrictions began cramping people’s lifestyles and mental wellbeing, the idea quickly gained popularity with artists and the public alike.  

“We wanted to do something to encourage people to get out for a walk but also something that would help support the sculpture artists in town,” said Ms McDonald.

“(The idea also) helped to boost businesses by attracting people to shop windows in a COVID-safe environment, because people were allowed to go out walking on their own and view a 24/7 exhibition,” she said.

“People could go walking at 10 o’clock at night and see the exhibits in the windows, so it was also a way of getting people to stand in front of businesses and think, ‘I haven’t been in here in 10 years’ or ‘I’ve never been in this shop’.”

Businesses were really keen, so it was a real win-win, she said. “It was only for a month during COVID, but people just loved it. They got really excited about the People’s Choice and would go back and do the whole trail again to help them decide.”

There was, and is, no theme for submitted pieces, so the “style and materials and approach was totally different, which meant there was a really broad range”, Ms McDonald said. “Everyone responded to different pieces.”

The TRAILS Committee generally receives 70 to 80 entries each year, with about 30 on the main trail. However, the committee has decided to cut the latter back to about 20 for the 2024 event.

“We ran the Miniatures exhibition as a trial last year – exhibited in the Julia Street Creative Space – because we thought it would give local artists a bit more of an opportunity to get involved if they weren’t big sculptures, and also give more people an opportunity to buy (artwork like this) because it was potentially a lower cost.”

Prize money is crucial to attracting sculptors from across the country. However, State Arts funding disallows applications which include prize money, so TRAILS is reliant on corporate support.

 The TRAILS Committee this year is delighted to welcome back the Port of Portland as their major sponsor for the 2024 Main Trail $5,000 winner. And the local AWA Alliance Bank is also supporting the $1,000 People’s Choice Prize for the fourth consecutive year.

“AWA Alliance Bank is committed to supporting our local communities in which we live and operate our business, so I am excited to confirm once again our sponsorship of the People’s Choice Award for the upcoming community art trail project,” said Debb Oakley.

“The importance of sponsorship in the success of community ventures cannot be overstated. It not only provides financial support, but also lends credibility and legitimacy to a project. Our sponsorship of the People’s Choice Award will allow community members to vote for their favourite art piece and artist, creating a sense of ownership and involvement in the TRAIL.”

The Committee for Portland also continues to partner with the Julia Street Creative Space and local Portland businesses in bringing this popular event to Portland’s CBD for the four-week period, during which locals and visitors trawl the shopfront exhibit locations.

The Miniatures Trail will again be displayed in the Argyle Gallery at the Creative Space, with other interested sponsors invited to consider supporting the $2,000 prize for that category.

With two weeks until entries close, submissions are ramping up for the 50 finalist spots on offer.

The exhibition runs from Saturday March 23 to Sunday April 21, with the ever-popular launch event on Friday March 21 from 5.30pm. It is an Eventbrite ticketed event, where people enjoy launch drinks and then walk and browse the trail.

“We’re changing up the events a bit this year to keep it exciting, so people won’t really know what to expect until they get there,” said Ms McDonald.

It’s capped at 100 guests, with limited tickets available at trails2024.eventbrite.com.au. Maps for the trail are available from all participating shops.

It sounds a bit like a magical mystery tour, so if you want to be on it, get your tickets quickly.

For more information go to trailsartprize.com.