My Kingdom for a Horse
A collaborative community sculpture project
Daily throughout Sculptures in the Garden |Artist-led sessions from 11am
This year, you’re invited to be part of something truly special. My Kingdom for a Horse is a collaborative community sculpture project and the centrepiece of Sculptures in the Garden 2026that will see a herd of life-sized horses emerge across the grounds of Rosby, before the completed horses are gifted back to the community as a lasting public art legacy.
How It Works
Built by Artists. Created by Everyone.
Professional artists will lead hands-on sculpture sessions every day from 11am, sharing their skills and helping participants explore how natural materials can be used to create form, movement and structure.
Inspired by the work of acclaimed Australian sculptor Stephen King, the project is guided by professional artists throughout the festival, including sculptors Michael Ferris, Andrea Smith, Nigel White and Janet Thomas. The steel armatures at the heart of each horse have been designed and fabricated by the Mudgee Men’s Shed, ready to be transformed by hundreds of hands.
01 | Choose a Horse
Find the herd taking shape throughout Rosby.
02 | Join an Artist
Work alongside professional artists who will guide the creative process.
03 | Add Your Piece
Use locally collected branches and natural materials to help shape the sculpture.
04 | Watch the Herd Grow
Return throughout SIG to see how hundreds of individual contributions come together.
Inspired by Sculpture
Celebrating the Spirit of the Horse
Initiated by Sculptures in the Garden Founder and Artistic Director Kay Norton-Knight, My Kingdom for a Horse is inspired by the work of acclaimed Australian sculptor Stephen King and celebrates the beauty, strength and spirit of the horse during the Year of the Horse.
At the heart of the project is a simple idea: to break down the traditional barrier between artist and audience and invite the community into the creative process.
A Legacy Beyond the Exhibition
The story doesn’t end when Sculptures in the Garden closes…the herd lives on.
Once complete, the horses will be gifted to locations throughout Mudgee and the wider Mid-Western Region, so the community’s creativity can be enjoyed for years to come. A lasting legacy, made together.
Schools Program
Local schools are invited to participate through a dedicated education program, giving students the opportunity to work alongside professional artists and experience sculpture making, teamwork and creative problem-solving in an inspiring outdoor environment.Weekday artist-led sessions run throughout the festival. Schools receive assistance, educational resources and volunteer support on the day.
My Kingdom for a Horse has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program and is delivered in partnership with Mudgee Region Tourism.
