2016 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) to open at SAM.

2016 ICAA to open on Saturday 6 August.

In August Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) welcomes seven indigenous artists / arts collectives shortlisted for the 2016 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA). This acquisitive Award celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous artists and acknowledges the special industry of ceramic art. Each shortlisted artist will present a substantial body of new work for display. The winner of the $20,000 acquisitive prize will be announced by Mr Rupert Myer AO during the exhibition official opening event, Saturday 20 August 2016.

The 2016 shortlisted artists are:

  • Janet Fieldhouse, Torres Strait (QLD)
  • Deanne Gilson, Wadawurrung/ Wathaurung (VIC)
  • Sean Miller, Kamilaroi (NSW)
  • Raymond Young, Gunnai / Yorta Yorta/ Gunditjmara (VIC)
  • Alison Murray, Girramay (QLD)

Gallery Kaiela Artists, Yorta Yorta (VIC)

  • Jack Anselmi
  • Cynthia Hardie

Ernabella Potters, Pukatja Community – Pitjantjatjara Language (SA)

  • Alison Milyika Carroll
  • Elizabeth Dunn
  • Rupert Jack
  • Lynette Lewis
  • Rachael Mipantjiti Lionel
  • Janelle Muwitja Nakamarra Thompson
  • Fiona Wells

Project Curator, Joanna Bosse says:

“Clay is a medium that sets its own rules and defines its own working practise. The great contribution of the ICAA therefore is to create a platform for Indigenous artists who accept these rules of engagement and test, refine, or push them in experimental directions. The Award creates the opportunity for viewers to focus on the particularities of the medium – the compensation to scale, its fragility, its transformational processes – which opens our eyes to the truly spectacular achievements made by artists in the field.”

Judging the finalist in the 2016 ICAA are: Tom Mosby, CEO, Koorie Heritage Trust Inc; Kimberley Moulton, Senior Curator South Eastern Australian Collections, Melbourne Museum; and Dr Rebecca Coates, Director, Shepparton Art Museum.

During the official opening weekend, 20 and 21 August, SAM will be hosting a number of cultural events:

Panel Discussion held prior to the exhibition opening and Award announcement
Date: Saturday 20 August
Time: 2 to 3.30pm
Discussion topic: Are Art Prizes and Awards the way to go? What model best supports contemporary Indigenous art and artists?
Panellists: Kimberly Moulton and Tiriki Onus to be chaired by Dr Rebecca Coates
Cost: Free
Bookings: Online here.

Ceramics Masterclasses with 2016 ICAA Finalists (1)
Date: Sunday 21 August
Time: 10am to 12noon
Tutor: Janet Fieldhouse
Cost: $20
Bookings: Online here.

Ceramics Masterclasses with 2016 ICAA Finalists (2 )
Date: Sunday 21 August
Time: 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Tutor: Auntie Cynthia Hardie and Jack Anselmi
Cost: $20
Bookings: Online here.

In addition throughout the month of September SAM will be running a series of events, programs and education workshops which will support the community to engage and build knowledge around local Aboriginal culture and art making processes. See SAM website for further details and bookings here.

The 2016 ICAA is organised by Project Curator Joanna Bosse and Indigenous Curatorial Assistant Belinda Briggs.

The ICAA is developed in partnership with the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, Margaret Lawrence Bequest and Mr Allan Myers AO QC and is generously supported by Fairer Futures Fund / Australian Communities Foundation.

Important Dates:

Media Preview

Thursday 4 August, 10.30 to 11.30am

Exhibition opens to the public

Saturday 6 August

Exhibition official opening and award announcement

Saturday 20 August, 4 to 6pm

Cultural program

Commencing 6 August to 25 September

ICAA Panel Discussion

Saturday 20 August, 2 to 3.30pm

Ceramic Masterclasses

Sunday 21 August 10am to 12noon and 1.30 to 3.30pm

Exhibition dates

Sunday 6 August to Sunday 25 September