SYDNEY.- Perpetual today announced Sculpture by the Sea Inc. as the new manager of a series of scholarships funded by the Helen Lempriere Bequest (Lempriere).

Lempriere is a charitable trust managed by Perpetual, with the purpose of providing scholarships for students of applied arts and crafts. Early in 2009 Perpetual began searching for a new partner to deliver an annual scholarship program in line with the wishes of the original bequest.

In December 2009 after an extensive review, including consultation with a specialist arts consultant, Perpetual identified Sculpture by the Sea Inc. as the most experienced partner to assist Perpetual with the administration of the scholarship awards, and with the judging process.

David Knowles, Perpetual’s National Manager – Philanthropic Services, said the new manager provided the proposal that most closely fitted the spirit and intent of the Lempriere Bequest.

“After a year-long search for the right partner, we believe the expertise brought to the management of the Lempriere scholarship program by Sculpture by the Sea Inc. will ensure scholarships are awarded to talented and committed Australian sculptors. This will result in a fitting legacy for Helen Lempriere, herself a great student of this art form” Mr. Knowles said.

Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, the world's largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition, transforms Sydney’s Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk with over 100 sculptures enjoyed by more than 400,00 visitors each year.

David Handley, Founding Director of Sculpture by the Sea Inc. said the organisation is proud to be involved in supporting Australian artists who can demonstrate how they would use the Lempriere scholarships to advance their careers.

“In 2010, the Lempriere bequest will fund three scholarships, each worth $30,000, for Australian sculptors who enter a work in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2010. The scholarships will provide considerable benefits for Australian sculptors which over time will have far reaching benefits for Sculpture as an art form in Australia” Mr. Handley said.

Applications for Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2010 will open in late February and close on 19 April, with the exhibition to run from 28 October until 14 November.

Mr. Knowles said Perpetual is confident that over time bringing together Lempriere and Sculpture by the Sea - two great names in Australian sculpture - will fulfill the wishes of the original bequest and create new and exciting opportunities for many of Australia's best practising sculptors.