31 October 2013

Applications for the 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) at Shepparton Art Museum (Victoria) are now open. With a combined prize pool of $33 000, the ICAA is the premier national award for Indigenous artists working in ceramics.

Shepparton Art Museum’s 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award (ICAA) is the fourth in the series of this biennial event. Previous prize winners include Janet Fieldhouse, Cynthia Vogler, Vera Cooper, Danie Mellor, Rona Rubuntja, Irene Mbitjana Entata and Carol Anilyuru Williams.

First Prize $20, 000 Acquisitive
Second Prize $10, 000 Acquisitive
Encouragement Award (for a Victorian artist) $3, 000 Acquisitive

The 2014 ICAA exhibition will run from 16 May to 10 August 2014 at the Shepparton Art Museum, Victoria.

The ICAA celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous artists, promoting the inclusion of Indigenous ceramics into exhibitions and collections throughout Australia. The Award also provides cultural exchange through a public program of workshops, talks and other events.

‘Established under the patronage of late acclaimed artist Dr Gloria Thanakupi Fletcher, this Award celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of ceramic medium by Indigenous artists and acknowledges the special industry of ceramic art,’ SAM Director Kirsten Paisley said. ‘As an acquisitive award, it contributes to the Art Museum’s significant holdings of Australian ceramic art.’

‘Greater Shepparton City Council encourages Indigenous artists to take up this remarkable opportunity to exhibit at SAM, where Australia’s best ceramic collection is housed,’ Mayor Jenny Houlihan said. ‘Previous award winners have gone on to reap benefits from their participation; being exhibited commercially and collected by other institutions.’

The Indigenous Ceramic Art Award is proudly supported by major partners; Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, Margaret Lawrence Bequest and Mr Allan Myers AO QC, and sponsor S & J Rothfield Family Fund. Shepparton Art Museum is proudly provided by Greater Shepparton City Council.

Applications for the 2014 Indigenous Ceramic Art Award close Friday 7 March 2014, at 5pm EST. Entry forms can be downloaded from SAM’s website at www.sheppartonartmuseum.com.au/2014-indigenous-ceramic-art-award  

For high-resolution images of past ICAA artists’ works, or to arrange an interview with the SAM Director, please contact SAM Marketing Co-ordinator Amina Barolli on (03) 5832 9522 or amina.barolli@shepparton.vic.gov.au.