An exhibition and special guest talks by noted art philanthropists John Kaldor AO and Penelope Seidler AM will mark the 50^th anniversary of one of Australia’s biggest and most daring public art events, Wrapped Coast*, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson announced today.

“In 1969 Australia hadn’t been exposed to many big, bold acts of public art, so John Kaldor’s request to turn the coastline next to the Prince Henry Hospital into a larger-than-life sculpture was an unexpected one,” said Mayor Neilson. “Fifty years on from that request there is still a sense of wonder at what Christo, Jeanne-Claude and Kaldor built together and the legacy it would create.

“There are many residents still living in Randwick City who witnessed the artistic statement for themselves and have vivid memories of the impact it had, both locally and overseas. We’re really pleased that we have been able to include some of these recollections as part of the exhibition at the Lionel Bowen Library.

“Combined with the insights and behind-the-scenes stories that John Kaldor will share at the Prince Henry Centre talk later in the month, art lovers will get a great sense of what a huge accomplishment this project was, both then and now.”

The free exhibition at the Lionel Bowen Library runs from Sunday 1 September to Sunday 15 December and features professional photographs showing the development of the installation, artefacts from the installation, oral stories from local residents, documentary footage and more.

On Saturday 7 September at 1pm, renowned architect and art philanthropist Penelope Seidler AM and Mayor Kathy Neilson will launch the commemorative Wrapped Coast 50th Anniversary exhibition.

The evening of Friday September 13 will see John Kaldor share insights and reflections from the project in an intimate setting located just metres from the Little Bay cliffs.

All events are free. The exhibition launch and John Kaldor talk must be booked via Council’s website.

• Sunday 1 September  – 15 December               Exhibition at Lionel Bowen Library
• Saturday 7 September, 1pm                                 Exhibition Launch, Lionel Bowen Library Book here
• Friday, 13 September, 6.30pm                           John Kaldor talk at Prince Henry Centre Book here

* Kaldor Public Art Project 1: Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Wrapped Coast – One Million Square Feet, Little Bay, Sydney, 1969