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.
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 Fresh! 2026 selection panel comprised: Jake Nakashima-Edwards, Anke Kindle, Claudia Lau, Ella Saddington and Craft Victoria's Eliza Tiernan, Exhibitions and Curatorial Manager and Alexander Scott, Exhibitions and Projects Coordinator.
2026 Finalists
Glass, Sculpture
Camille Ferguson
Paper, Sculpture, Weaving
Emma Salmon
Textiles
Erica Wells
Jewellery, Metal
Flynn Parker-Greer
Jewellery, Metal
Lou Wheeler
Ceramics, Sculpture
Madelyn McKenzie
Glass, Paper, Sculpture
Meg Kelso
Jewellery
Siobhan Murphy
2026 Selection Panel
Textiles
Jake Nakashima-Edwards - DNJ Paper
Jewellery, Textiles
Anke Kindle - STUDIO BLAU.
Furniture
Ella Saddington - Cordon Salon
Ceramics
Claudia Lau - Claudia Lau Studio
Eliza Tiernan - Curatorial and Exhibition Manager
Alexander Scott - Exhibitions and Projects Coordinator
Prizes
The Future Leaders Awards
A philanthropic initiative promoting leadership, achievement and potential among young Australians.
Selected by Dr Helen Sykes AM.
Prize of $1,000
InteriorsAu Emerging Maker Prize
This annual prize recognises outstanding emerging talent from the exhibitors of Craft's Fresh! exhibitors. A profile of the winner is published via architectureau.com.
Selected by Cassie Hansen, Editor InteriorsAu
Wardle Craft Prize
Selected by partners John Wardle and Meaghan Dwyer.
Prize of $2,000
Pieces of Eight Catalyst Award
A mentorship initiative lead by Melanie Katsalidis, Pieces of Eight Gallery Director focusing on professional development, industry insight alongside a financial stipend.
Selected by Melanie Katsalidis, Gallery Director
Prize of $1000
The Storied Object Award
Recognition of a handmade work that tells a story, embodying meaning that adds profound value to life. A profile of the recipient is published in Garland magazine and shared with an international readership of over 50,000.
Selected by Dr Kevin Murray, Founder and Editor, Garland magazine
