Fresh! 2023

Celebrating the next wave of Victorian graduates in contemporary craft and design. Presented annually since 1993, Fresh! showcases the energy, skill and innovation of some of the best graduating students from craft, design and fine art disciplines throughout the state.

Fresh! provides an important opportunity for graduates beginning their career as makers. The exhibition fosters the potential of graduating students and provides an insight into new directions of contemporary craft.

30 years of Fresh! In 2023, we're celebrating the 30th anniversary of Fresh – stay tuned for more as we look back at some of the incredible artists that are Fresh! alumni and where they are now!

The Prizes

The Desa Artist Residency, Bali
Supported by The Macfarlane Fund, this award enables the winning artist to spend a month in residence at Desa, a place for making work and making connections in Ubud, Indonesia. Outcomes from the residency will be presented at Craft.
Judged by Helen and Melissa Macfarlane.
Prize of $8,000 including a $3,000 bursary for living costs
Awarded to Lyras Daear

Wardle Craft Prize
Judged by Meaghan Dwyer, Partner.
Prize of $1,000
Awarded to Richard Monger

The Future Leaders Award 
A philanthropic initiative promoting leadership, achievement and potential among young Australians.
Judged by Dr Helen Sykes AM.
Prize of $2,000
Awarded to Mariana Blanco

Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Prize 
An exhibition in their exclusive gallery/foyer space, valued at $3,000.
Judged by Clive Scott, General Manager, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, and Lisa Warrener and Donald Williams, Global Art Projects.
Awarded to Beth Sanderson

The Irene Spilsbury Prize
To develop, conceptualise and present a body of work at Oigåll Projects as part of their 2024 exhibition program.
Judged by Andy Kelly, Director of Oigåll Projects.
Awarded to Arthur Nyakuengama

The Annual Lemon Award of Excellence
This award recognises curious and experimental bodies of work.
Judged by James Lemon and his boyfriend.
Prize of $1,000
Awarded to Jedda Bahloo

The Artichoke Emerging Maker Prize
A profile in Artichoke magazine and a 2-year magazine subscription.
Judged by Cassie Hansen, Editor of Artichoke Magazine.
Awarded to Joanne Odisho

Desa Artist-In-Residence Program

The Desa Artist-In-Residence Program was founded upon a principle of making, making work and making connections. The program actively supports practice, conversations and reflection for positive global social impact. Desa invites people from across the world to share a table. The artist residency program is an instrument to further generate engagement, collaboration and exchange in the Southeast Asia region.

The Selection Panel

Each year, Craft Victoria and an invited team of craft and design professionals view graduate exhibitions across Victoria to search for the freshest emerging makers working within craft and design disciplines. The 2023 Fresh! selection panel included: Isabel Avendano-Hazbun, James Lemon, Zaiba Khan and Craft Victoria's Curatorial and Programs Manager, Eliza Tiernan and Programs and Engagement Coordinator, Anni Hagberg.