Established under the patronage of acclaimed artist Dr Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher (Thainakuith), the Shepparton Art Museum Indigenous Ceramic Award (ICA) is the most prestigious national award for Indigenous ceramics, showcasing new and exciting developments in the field.

The acquisitive prize attracts ceramic works from Indigenous artists across Australia and builds on SAM’s significant holdings of Indigenous ceramics.

Presented on Yorta Yorta Country, this Award provides a national platform to share personal, historical and deep cultural learnings from artists and Country. It celebrates and supports the rich and diverse use of the ceramic medium by Indigenous artists and acknowledges the special industry of ceramic art.

Previous prize winners have included Jack Anselmi and Aunty Cynthia Hardie, Vera Cooper, Janet Fieldhouse, Irene Mbitjana Entata, Danie Mellor, Rona Rubuntja, Yhonnie Scarce and Carol Anilyuru Williams.

Exhibition Dates

13 August – 04 December 2022

Important Dates

Wednesday 9 March 2022                                     Applications open

Friday 3 June 2022                                                  Applications close

Friday 10 June 2022                                                Shortlisted artists advised

Wednesday 27 July 2022                                      Works to be delivered to SAM 

Saturday 13 August 2022                                       Exhibition opens

Saturday 15 October 2022                                      Awards ceremony

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 October 2022               Community showcase events

Friday 9 December  2022                                         Works returned to artists. SAM to                                                                                               cover return transit costs. 

Prizes

Major Acquisitive Prize                                                  $20,000

South-East Australian Aboriginal Artist Prize          $5,000

People's Choice Award                                                 $1,500

Information for applicants

Please review the following information before submitting your application

PDF APPLICATION FORM - 2022 Indigenous Ceramic Award

Online Application form

Got Questions?

We welcome enquiries from interested artists, curators, creative practitioners and community groups wishing to apply to exhibit in the 2022 ICA.

To discuss your application prior to submission, or for further information about the application process, please contact SAM via email ica@sheppartonartmuseum.com.au or call Belinda Briggs, SAM Curator – Indigenous on: 03 4804 5000

Other Resources: